Managing Panic Attacks can be challenging, daunting and frustrating
35% of Australians will suffer a panic attack at some point in their lives.
Many will experience ongoing panic attacks that leave them with debilitating physical symptoms such as shortness of breath, uncontrollable sweating, inability to focus, and difficulty in communicating with others.
A panic attack is said to occur when the ‘flight-or-fight’ response is triggered but there is no danger about to happen. A person may experience the symptoms of a panic attack in harmless and apparently stress-free situations, such as watching television or while asleep.
What is Flight or Fright? ???? ????
When one is faced with immediate danger, the brain “orders” the nervous system to activate a ‘flight-or-fight’ response. The body is then flooded with chemicals, including adrenaline, that trigger physiological changes. Good examples for many of my clients is an accelerated heart rate and breathing: blood is then shifted to the muscles to prepare for physical combat or running away.
Factors that can prime the body to inappropriately activate the ‘flight-or-fight’ response include:
- Chronic stress – which causes the body to produce higher than usual levels of stress chemicals such as adrenaline.
- Acute stress (such as experiencing a traumatic event) – can similarly suddenly flood the body with large amounts of stress chemicals.
- Intense physical exercise – for some people, this may cause extreme reactions.
- Excessive caffeine intake – the caffeine in coffee, tea and other beverages is a strong stimulant.
- Illness – may cause physical changes.
- A sudden change of environment – such as walking into an overcrowded, hot or stuffy environment.
- A triggering office or work environment including any elements of bullying and harassment
- Other factors can also play a part such as prescribed medications, alcohol or illicit drugs.
Management
I use a number of different management therapies including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Acceptance Commitment Therapy. Blending these, along with other psychotherapy techniques, can lead to a reduction in anxiety and associated symptoms.
My approach goes further than this. I work with clients to assess their own resources. This resource assessment guides a self directed approach or one in which I adopt a more directive stance. Some clients respond well to the provision of guides, reading or a broader array of resources that forms a self supporting “tool kit”. When you work with me, we work together to identify your strengths and your preferences.
Collaboration and Empowerment are important to me and I see this as essential to ensure you can get the best from therapy… without developing a reliance on it.
I share a simple tool below for clients who are under chronic stress or attempting a change in lifestyle (such as stopping drinking or removing other harmful practices such as illicit drug use).
It’s simple, easy to put to practice and effective at managing the onset of symptoms.
Check out this link to learn more.
Contact me to have an initial, no obligation discussion to see if I can help. I look forward to hearing from you!
