Panic
Panic attacks can feel frightening, overwhelming, and completely out of the blue. You may suddenly experience an intense surge of fear or physical symptoms that leave you wondering whether something is seriously wrong.
Many people who experience panic attacks worry they are having a heart attack, losing control, or about to faint. Even after the panic attack has passed, you may find yourself constantly worrying about when the next one might happen.
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Panic attacks can affect people in different ways. You may notice:
A sudden surge of intense fear or panic
A racing or pounding heart
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Chest pain or tightness
Dizziness, light-headedness, or feeling faint
Sweating, shaking, or trembling
Tingling or numbness in your hands or body
Feeling detached from yourself or your surroundings
Avoiding places where you have previously experienced a panic attack
Constantly monitoring your body for signs that another panic attack is coming
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Although panic attacks can feel dangerous, they are the result of your body's natural fight, flight, or freeze response becoming activated when there is no immediate physical threat.
After experiencing one or more panic attacks, it is common to become highly aware of normal bodily sensations and worry that they signal another attack. This can create a cycle where fear of panic increases your body's alertness, making panic attacks more likely to occur.
Understanding this cycle can be an important step towards reducing the fear and regaining confidence in your body.
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Therapy can help you understand what happens during a panic attack and why the experience feels so overwhelming.
Our psychologists use evidence-based approaches to help you reduce fear of physical sensations, break the cycle of panic and avoidance, and gradually rebuild confidence in situations that may currently feel frightening or unsafe.
Taking the next step
Panic attacks can leave you feeling as though your world is becoming smaller as you try to avoid another frightening experience.
Our psychologists can help you understand panic, regain confidence in your body's responses, and return to the activities and places that matter most to you.