PANIC.

"a sudden, uncontrollable fear reaction that may involve terror, confusion, and irrational behavior, precipitated by a perceived threat ." - APA Dictionary of Psychology

HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED SEVERAL INSTANCES OF PANIC?

Those were probably panic attacks. A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear that develops for no apparent reason and triggers severe physical reactions. Panic attacks can be very frightening.

You may have only one or two panic attacks in your lifetime. But if you have had several panic attacks and experience persistent fear of another attack, you may have a chronic condition called panic disorder.

As a therapist, I focus on developing achievable goals and hands-on strategies to help you tackle your fears and reconnect with your best self.

PANIC ATTACKS ACTIVATE THE 'FIGHT OR FLIGHT' RESPONSE.

Research (Temerti, 2021) on panic attacks shows that the human body’s response to perceived danger is part of our in-built ‘fight or flight’ reaction. Panic disorder is characterized by recurring sudden, overwhelming episodes during which you feel like you are succumbing to fear and losing control over yourself. You might feel like you are dissociating with your body or that the world is falling apart. Stress, trauma, family history, and diet - all those factors may increase the chances of having a panic attack.

If you are dealing with panic disorder, you may experience the following:

Sudden and intense fear
Dizziness and/or fainting
Difficulty breathing
Chest pain
Rapid heart rate
Hopelessness or confusion
Loss of sensation in the body
Profuse sweating

I am here to help. Through compassion and a proactive approach, I can help you change your approach to your panic-inducing triggers while taking steps toward self-realization.

Interested? Get in touch!

Literature:

Temerte, A. (2021). Fight or Flight: The Biology of an Anxiety Attack. Intertext, 29(1), 14.