Panic Attacks

Once an attack has subsided, we are usually left feeling completely exhausted due to the physical and mental strain. Some have described it as the feeling a relatively unfit person would have if they were forced to run 10 km in 40 minutes.

Symptoms

Common symptoms include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Palpitations or pounding heartbeat
• Feeling faint
• Nausea
• Sweating, hot or cold
• Chest pain
• ‘Jelly Legs’

 Panic attacks are often accompanied by negative thoughts or beliefs that we are having a heart attack or stroke, beliefs that we are losing our minds, and embarrassment (especially if it happens in a public place, like at work or on a train). The more we worry, the more likely we are to have a panic attack and then we start to worry about having a panic attack, adding more anxiety to the mix.
Panic attacks can occur whenever, day or night, at home or when we are out and about. For some people, they may experience one attack whilst for others, they may reoccur. A situation, fear, or anxiety can trigger recurring panic attacks, for example, weekly meetings with your boss. Panic attacks can also happen seemingly randomly.

Our treatment approach

If panic attacks start to happen regularly or the fear of panic attacks becomes a frequent source of anxiety, we are said to be suffering from a panic disorder. When you are suffering from a panic disorder, it can be helpful to see your GP. They will ask about your symptoms and may run tests to rule out other conditions. Your doctor will also be able to set up regular professional support or medications to help you keep your anxiety under control.

How we can help you

We can help you change your own reaction to stress by suggesting a range of both medical treatments and talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy. This can be useful to help understand our own thoughts and behaviours contributing to your distress and help to lift your mood by changing the cycle of negative thinking.