Panic Attacks

Sweaty palms, short sharp shallow breaths, heart beating out of your chest and feeling dizzy. From time to time, we have all felt the symptoms of a panic attack. But what actually is a panic attack? 

Panic attacks are defined by a short-lived, intense episodes of anxiety that causes physical feelings of intense fear. Panic attacks can be experienced by anyone and for a number of reasons. 

Warning Signs of a panic attack: 

Physical:

-       Increased heart rate or sensation your heart is skipping a beat

-       Short sharp rapid breathing or chest pain

-       Sweating

-       Dry Mouth

-       Difficulty focusing or concentrating 

-       Feeling sick or the feeling of butterflies in your stomach 

-       Numbness or tingling sensations

-       Tightness in the chest or tension of muscles 

-       Headaches

-       Shaking or trembling 

-       Hot flushes or chills

Emotional:

-       Distress

-       Apprehension

-       Intense feelings of fear or worry 

-       A feeling of detachment from yourself or the world around you

Triggers of a panic attack: 

Triggers can vary from person to person. Major stressful events, daily stressors, traumatic events, excessive caffeine intake, family history of panic attacks or anxiety, and internal or external conflict all contribute to having a panic attack. 

How to deal with it? 

Again coping strategies vary from person to person. For some people breathing exercises, mindfulness strategies and grounding can really help, some people may need medication prescribed by their GP for others coming to see a psychologist really helps. A psychologist can help unpack some of the underlying things that may be going on and contributing to the panic attack or anxiety the person is experiencing. 

If you would like to book in for some extra support, feel free to contact us on 8838-8687 or book an appointment online and come in to see one of our friendly Psychologists.