Panic Attack Treatment in Flagstaff
What is a Panic Attack?
A panic attack is an intense, sudden feeling of fear or discomfort. It can happen unexpectedly and may last for minutes or even longer. During a panic attack, your body goes into a fight-or-flight response, causing overwhelming physical and emotional sensations. It can feel like you’re losing control or even dying, but panic attacks, while frightening, are not life-threatening.
At Bright Potential Counseling, we specialize in panic attack treatment, offering effective therapies to help you manage and overcome these distressing experiences.
What is Panic Disorder?
Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder where an individual experiences frequent, recurrent panic attacks (also sometimes called anxiety attacks). People with panic disorder often worry about having future attacks, which can cause significant fear and avoidance of situations where an attack might occur. This persistent worry can lead to major disruptions in daily life.
Panic attack disorder affects many people and can be debilitating without the right treatment. But with proper care, you can learn to manage panic attacks and live a more peaceful, fulfilling life.
Common Symptoms of Panic Attacks
During a panic attack, your body reacts as if you are in immediate danger, even though there is no real threat. Common panic attack symptoms include:
Rapid heart rate or palpitations
Shortness of breath or a feeling of choking.
Chest pain (which can mimic a heart attack and cause significant fear).
Dizziness or lightheadedness.
Sweating and chills.
Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet.
Shaking or trembling.
Feelings of choking or difficulty swallowing.
Nausea or abdominal discomfort.
Chills or hot flashes.
A sense of unreality or detachment from oneself.
Fear of dying or losing control.
Panic attacks can vary from person to person, but they all involve intense physical symptoms that feel alarming and can make it difficult to know what to do in the moment.
Duration and Frequency of Panic Attacks
The duration of a panic attack can vary. Typically, an attack peaks within 10 minutes and can last anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes. However, some attacks may last longer.
The frequency of panic attacks varies greatly:
Occasional panic attacks can happen a few times a year.
Frequent panic attacks can occur several times a week or even daily.
People with panic disorder often experience these attacks unexpectedly and may begin to fear situations that they associate with the onset of panic. This can lead to avoidance behaviors, further intensifying the problem.
Common Triggers for Panic Attacks
Panic attacks can happen with little to no warning. However, certain factors and situations may trigger a panic attack, including:
Stressful life events, like work pressure, relationship issues, or major life changes.
Specific phobias, such as fear of heights, crowded spaces, or flying.
Health concerns, particularly anxiety about medical issues.
Certain situations that cause fear or anxiety (e.g., public speaking or being in large crowds).
Substances like caffeine, alcohol, or recreational drugs.
Nighttime panic attacks (also known as nocturnal panic attacks) can happen while you’re sleeping, waking you in the middle of the night with a racing heart and intense fear.
It’s important to note that panic attack causes can vary widely, and they often have no clear origin. Recognizing your triggers is an important part of managing panic attacks effectively.
Why Do Panic Attacks Happen?
While the exact reason for panic attacks is not fully understood, several factors may contribute:
Genetics: Panic disorder tends to run in families, suggesting a genetic link.
Brain Chemistry: Imbalances in neurotransmitters or overactivity in the brain’s fear response system may play a role.
Life Stressors: Significant stress, trauma, or emotional strain can trigger panic attacks.
Personality Factors: People who are more prone to stress, perfectionism, or have a heightened sensitivity to anxiety may be more susceptible.
Health Concerns: Physical health problems like heart conditions or hormonal imbalances can mimic panic attack symptoms, creating a cycle of fear.
Ultimately, panic attacks result from an overactive “fight or flight” response, which causes the body to react strongly to perceived danger, even when no real threat is present.
Managing Panic Attacks: What to Do During a Panic Attack
During a panic attack, it can feel like your body is completely out of control. Knowing how to manage these moments and using panic attack coping skills can make a huge difference in how you experience them. Here are some steps to help you cope:
Understanding what to do during a panic attack can help reduce the intensity and frequency over time.
-
Slow, deep breaths can help calm your nervous system and reduce feelings of panic. Breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, and exhale for 6 seconds.
-
Focus on your surroundings and engage your senses. Notice five things you can see, hear, touch, smell, and taste. This helps to ground you in the present moment.
-
Remind yourself that panic attacks, though terrifying, are not life-threatening. Tell yourself, “This will pass. I am safe.”
-
Reassure yourself that this is temporary. Positive affirmations like, “I am in control,” or, “This is just a panic attack, it will pass,” can help.
-
If you’re sitting or lying down, remain still. If you’re moving, try sitting or lying down to prevent overexerting yourself.
-
Notice the ways in which you are currently safe and focus your attention on these
Panic Attack Treatment Options
There are several effective treatments for panic attacks that can help you regain control of your life. Panic disorder treatment can include:
1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT for anxiety disorder is one of the most effective treatments for panic attacks and panic disorder. CBT focuses on identifying and challenging irrational thoughts and replacing them with healthier, more rational thinking. Over time, you can learn to reframe the thoughts that trigger your panic attacks, significantly reducing their frequency and intensity.
2. Exposure Therapy
A type of CBT, exposure therapy involves gradually exposing you to the situations that trigger your panic in a controlled and safe manner. The goal is to reduce the fear response associated with those triggers, so you can eventually face them without experiencing a panic attack.
3. Medication
For some individuals, medications for panic disorder treatment may be helpful. Antidepressants (SSRIs or SNRIs) and benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed to help manage anxiety and reduce panic attacks. Medication is typically used in conjunction with therapy.
4. Relaxation Techniques
Mindfulness, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can help calm the nervous system and manage stress, which can prevent panic attacks from escalating. Panic attack relief often comes from practicing these techniques regularly.
5. Lifestyle Changes
Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and sufficient sleep can all help manage anxiety and reduce the frequency of panic attacks. Limiting caffeine and alcohol intake can also be beneficial.
When to Seek Help
If you are experiencing panic attacks, it’s important to seek treatment for panic attack symptoms. If you experience any of the following, it may be time to get help from a therapist for panic attacks:
Panic attacks are occurring frequently.
Your panic attacks are interfering with your daily life, work, or relationships.
You are avoiding situations due to fear of having an attack.
You feel a constant sense of dread or fear about future panic attacks.
Symptoms worsen over time.
Seeking therapy for panic attacks as soon as possible can prevent the condition from worsening and give you the tools to manage symptoms more effectively.
Find Effective Panic Attack Treatment in Flagstaff
At Bright Potential Counseling, we offer panic attack treatment in Flagstaff. Our therapists specialize in helping you manage and reduce panic attacks using cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, and other effective techniques.
If you’re ready to start your journey toward healing, we’re here to help. Don’t let panic attacks control your life—reach out to us for support and start your path to relief today. Whether you're looking for panic disorder therapy, panic attack disorder treatment, or general treatment for anxiety attacks, our team is ready to guide you toward lasting peace.
Contact Us!
Curious to learn more? Book a free consultation today.