Panic Attack Disorder Therapy
Counseling for Panic Attack Disorder in Buffalo, NY
Most of us have the luxury of trusting our bodies. We don’t have to worry about enduring sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, and a racing heart. However, this is not the case for those affected by panic attack disorder.
Panic is the most extreme form of anxiety. Panic attacks are frightening, destabilizing events that can upend your day-to-day life, but they don’t have to. The panic disorder therapists at Harris Hill Counseling & Coaching understand how debilitating panic attacks can be and are here to help you regain control.
Understanding Panic Attacks
Panic attacks typically arrive without warning. While they may be triggered by overwhelming stress, most panic attacks are unpredictable and last only 5 to 30 minutes. Some people experience just one panic attack in their lifetime, but others can suffer through them several times a day. For some, attacks have an obvious trigger, such as running into a frightening memory, person, or place. However, some may seem to arise with no explanation.
The root cause of panic attacks is unclear, but some individuals may have a predisposition to panic. Certain medical conditions and stimulant use can contribute to panic disorder. Panic attacks often include these sensations:
- Trembling
- Shortness of breath
- The feeling of choking
- Heart palpitations
- Racing heart
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Tunnel vision
- Numbness
- Restlessness
- Losing sense of reality
When Should I Be Concerned About Panic Attacks
Panic disorder and panic attacks are very treatable, yet many individuals may be afraid to seek treatment because they are embarrassed or do not believe they have an actual condition. When panic attacks are left untreated, a person risks developing agoraphobia and may become afraid to leave their home.
The two significant indicators of panic attack disorder are:
- Experiencing at least four panic attacks in one month
- Frequency of panic attacks causing additional distress and worry about the possibility of having another attack. This may result in a patient abandoning activities that they once enjoyed.
Studies have shown that those who do not treat their panic disorder may be more likely to:
- Abuse alcohol or drugs
- Become financially dependent on others
- Experience an overall health decline
- Attempt suicide
Though it may feel severe, a panic attack is rarely an immediate threat to one’s physical wellbeing. However, those who find their activities are limited due to fear of panic attacks should seek help from a Harris Hill Counseling therapist.
Therapy Can Help
At Harris Hill Counseling & Coaching, education is the cornerstone of panic attack disorder therapy. Panic attacks gain power from being misunderstood. While you don’t have control over when a panic attack arises, we teach you methods to recognize an oncoming panic attack and make it more bearable or brief.
Don’t Let Panic Rule Your Life
The therapists at Harris Hill Counseling understand your pain and are here to give you the skills you need to cope.