Panic Attacks
A panic attack is never fun, but it’s important to know that you can recover from these attacks with the help of a therapist.
The most common type of anxiety problem and its symptoms are intense fear or worry about situation(s) which provokes an immediate response without physical sensation (dysfunctional breathing).
This could happen when someone experiences a surprise event like being introduced at work unexpectedly by another person; and so on.
Although panic attacks may be intense and scary, they’re not dangerous. They just last between 5 – 20 minutes and could cause you some discomfort during that time period.
What triggers panic attacks?
The exact cause of panic attacks has not been pinpointed, but it’s thought to be linked with factors like: experiencing trauma or being very stressed in your life; having loved ones die (or someone close), and also certain mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders.
Panicking is something that everyone does, but there are many different causes of panic attacks. Some people may be more prone than others to experiencing these sudden onset emotional responses, which can range anywhere on a spectrum, from mild sensations leading up to you being anxious or scared. Other triggers may include;
- Excessive coffee
- Long periods of stressful experiences
- Over breathing
- Long periods of intensive physical activities
- Financial problems and hardship
- Family relationships
- Work related pressures
The difficulties in explaining your feelings to others can make it hard for you but talking to a CBT therapist about the problem can help find a durable and trustful solution.
How does panic attack therapy work?
Cognitive behavioural therapy is a form of psychotherapy that helps people learn to control their panic symptoms. Your therapist will help you gradually re-create the feeling and sensations associated with an actual panic attack, in a safe setting where it’s possible for them to teach you how to react when having one.
How to diagnose panic attack
Your doctor will help rule out any physical health conditions that may be causing your panic attacks. They might also ask you to fill out a psychological self-assessment or questionnaire about alcohol and other substance misuse of interest to the procedure, but we’ll need more information before deciding which type(s)of problem it could actually be. You may be requested to perform one or more of the following;
- Your thyroid and other possible conditions would be checked using blood tests, while heart-related issues like an ECG or EKG may also be assessed and diagnosed.
- When experiencing difficult emotions, fear or thoughts, it may be time for a psychological evaluation where your therapist talks you through family history, stressful experiences, relationship matters and more. This talking therapy helps us get to the bottom of what’s wrong and find ways that we can fix things up for a cheerful tomorrow!
Treatment for panic disorders can be either through therapy or medications. If you have access to both interventions, we recommend trying them out in the order to practically find out which best suits your preference and needs- but know this: both treatments stand in their individual rights, which means one will never replace another!
Why is it important to treat panic attacks as soon as possible?
Panic attacks often decrease significantly in intensity and go away completely within months of treatment. When you see results after only one month, your faith in yourself will grow even more!
Successful treatment of panic attacks can help you overcome fears and phobias that have been long-standing problems in your life.
You may notice improvement within weeks or months, but it’s important to continue with treatments as needed for an extended period if necessary so these issues don’t come back again later down the line!
However, if after a full treatment, you still don’t feel well and there’s still some left behind, do not worry when this happens because eventually, they’ll lessen significantly over a period of time.
Do I need a referral from my GP to see a Psychotherapist?
Our therapists are available to see you without the need for a doctor’s referral, and they can provide treatment based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) if you suffer from panic attacks.
You don’t need a doctor’s referral to see a therapist for panic attack issues. You can refer yourself directly. Be aware that there may not always be immediate availability on a therapist’s books, so if this is an urgent matter, going through your GP for physical examination will be the best thing to do.
Why Fadi’s Counselling?
Fadi’s Counselling offers online zoom, phone and face to face therapeutic consultations to both members of the public in the UK and abroad and in different languages.
All therapists are certified to provide therapy to clients who need help coping with their respective conditions effectively.
We will work together to find the right treatment based on your history alone, so that you can quickly get back up again, become the original you, do the things of importance to you or family with confidence and a healthier state of mind.