How to Tell if You Are Experiencing a Panic Attack
If you have experienced panic attacks, you just want them to stop and never return. Linked to anxiety, stress, trauma and depression, panic attacks have identifiable symptoms. Fortunately, there are various treatment options available to deal with such conditions.
Let’s talk about how to tell if you are experiencing a panic attack and where you can go for effective panic attack management in Atlanta and Alpharetta, GA.
What Sets the Stage for a Panic Attack
Unlike the occasional stab of fear if you lose your balance or have a near collision in traffic, panic attacks come on suddenly, intensely, and even inexplicably. The physical manifestations are exceptionally strong and often happen for no reason that the person can identify.
However, the physical symptoms and emotional anguish are very real; individuals experiencing panic attacks feel they may die or that they are having a cardiac event.
While many people–children, teens, and adults–may have one or two panic attacks in their lifetimes, people with anxiety disorders may get panic symptoms frequently. The fear of having them impacts functioning and relationships at home, school, and work. Social situations may be particularly frightening, and sufferers may begin avoiding them or require someone to accompany them no matter how friendly the setting may be.
Symptoms of a Panic Attack
Panic attacks may include many mental, emotional, and physical symptoms, such as:
- Racing thoughts
- Inability to focus and concentrate
- Feeling of oncoming doom or death
- Dizziness
- Trembling and weakness
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid heart rate
- Stomach upset (nausea and vomiting)
- Diarrhea
- Extremely dry mouth
- Tightened throat
- Chills
- Hot flashes
- Numbness and tingling in the extremities
Treatment for Panic Attacks
Sadly, anxiety and panic attacks rarely resolve by themselves. In fact, experts at the Mayo Clinic state that without treatment, these conditions usually worsen and can lead to:
- Addictive behaviors (substance and alcohol abuse)
- Avoidance of work and social situations
- Depression
- Isolation
- Self-harm
So, prompt evaluation and treatment by a caring and skilled mental health professional are vital to symptom management and long-term well-being. Together, you and your counselor will identify your risk factors–such as trauma, family history, or an abusive relationship–and develop coping strategies to manage symptoms and create new and healthier thought patterns. Medication may be an option as well.
Over time, people who receive professional guidance for panic attacks can have significantly fewer episodes and lessen the severity of their symptoms. It’s critical to stay with the prescribed plan and communicate with the counselor/therapist to adjust it as needed.
Counseling and Treatment for Anxiety and Panic Attacks in Atlanta and Alpharetta, GA
Here at Atlanta Specialized Care, our professionals are approachable, understanding, and nonjudgmental, so we will help you define your issue and work with you to determine the right approach to keep your anxiety under control.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation with one of our counselors, contact us today at (678) 679-6959 or fill out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to hearing from you.
