For most people, it’s easy to trust their bodies when they’re walking down the street, driving, or getting groceries. They don’t live with the fear of suddenly being overwhelmed with shortness of breath, a racing heart, chest pain, and dizziness.
But for the 2 million Americans living with Panic Attack Disorder, that’s a fear you might live with daily. Panic attacks are terrifying, exhausting, and draining. They affect you in the moment, but also in the aftermath.
Thriveworks in The Woodlands, TX understands how frightening a panic attack can be, how exhausting the hours and days in the aftermath are, and how terrifying the random, unexpectedness of panic attacks can be. If your life is caged by panic attacks, we can help. Together, we can rebuild your trust in your body and mind and give you the confidence to live life fully.
What Is a Panic Attack?
A panic attack is the cornerstone of Panic Attack Disorder, although it can also be a sign of other anxiety-related mental health problems. These can include social anxiety, eating disorders, general anxiety, and a variety of different phobias. What separates Panic Attack Disorder from other anxiety disorders is that there is little way to predict a panic attack from coming on. There are few warning signs and a wide variety of triggers that makes it hard to pin down.
If you live with the fear and exhaustion of panic attacks, Thriveworks in The Woodlands is here for you. We can help you understand the disorder, cope with the symptoms, and slowly reduce the number of panic attacks you have.
In the beginning, it can be hard to distinguish when a panic attack is happening. To help, here are some common symptoms of a panic attack:
- A general sense of dread or impending doom
- Shakiness
- Numbness in hands or feet
- Racing heart
- Shortness of breath
- Feelings of ‘going mad’
- Thinking you are dying
- Racing thoughts
Panic attacks are painful and terrifying. However, it can be helpful to remember that you are not at any imminent physical risk. It might feel like you’re going crazy or dying, but really it is your body rebelling against you for a short period of time. You’ll be okay, and with a Thriveworks The Woodlands counselor you can begin to take back control of your body and mind.
As hard as it is, it can be possible to walk yourself down from a panic attack. Recognizing the oncoming symptoms is the first step and utilizing mindfulness and relaxation techniques to calm your body is second. At Thriveworks the Woodlands counseling we’ll teach you that no matter what, you are in control of your life, not your panic attacks.
There are two main symptoms that set Panic Attack Disorder apart from simple anxiety-driven attacks. They are:
- Experiencing at least 4 panic attacks in a one-month period
- The attack produces additional distress and worry about the possibility of having another attack, which in turns changes how you behave in your day-to-day life.
Even if you think you don’t meet all the symptoms of Panic Attack Disorder- you are welcomed at Thriveworks The Woodlands. If panic attacks are part of your life, we want to help!
For more information or to schedule an appointment today, give us a call at 281-667-9790.
What Does Panic Attack Disorder Therapy Look Like?
Panic attacks are frightening in part because they are misunderstood. Thoughts can spiral when your body feels like it’s out of your control, so getting your thoughts under control is a crucial step in recovering from a panic attack.
A few things you could learn in a Thriveworks The Woodlands Panic Attack Disorder Therapy session include:
- What personal signs point towards an upcoming panic attack for you (ex: sweaty, racing heart, sense of dread, etc.)
- Relaxation training- When you’re having a lot of panic attacks, the stress can carry over into the rest of your life, which then increases the likelihood of another attack. We can stop the cycle but learning how to relax.
- Cognitive Restructuring- Basically a fancy word that means we’ll practice identifying negative thoughts and replacing them with positive ones.
- Mindfulness- One of the most crucial skills in Panic Attack Disorder Therapy. Negative emotions are not part of us, and they won’t last forever.
- Coping strategies- Panic attacks are exhausting, physical and emotionally. How can you take care of yourself so you can bounce back quicker after an attack?
You deserve to be free from fear once and for all. Thriveworks The Woodlands is here to walk with you as you conquer your panic attacks and build a future of health and healing.
For more information or to schedule an appointment today, give us a call at 281-667-9790.
