Panic Attacks: Symptoms, Coping, and When to Get Help
Alexander Netzley
Panic attacks can cause intense fear, a racing heart, dizziness, chest discomfort, and shortness of breath. These symptoms can overlap with medical emergencies. Do not assume that new, severe, or unexplained chest pain or breathing difficulty is anxiety; call 911 or seek urgent medical care. Once medical causes have been assessed, counseling can help you understand panic symptoms and develop a personalized coping plan.
The first thing that I encourage clients to do is to begin identifying the situations in which they find the panic attacks occurring. These situations in which the client discovers that they tend to have the attacks would be the triggering event. Now that the triggering event has been identified it is time to work on processing through what within that event is causing the exacerbated anxiety.
Panic can involve a strong fight-or-flight response, even when there is no immediate threat. A clinician can help explore patterns, triggers, and other possible contributors without assuming every episode has an obvious cause.
As soon as you are able to properly identify and begin to process through the underlying causes of these panic episodes you can begin to identify coping skills that will help you manage panic symptoms. This is best done with the assistance of a therapist that has experience in working with individuals with panic disorders. Our counselors here at Harvard Avenue Counseling Services have experience in treating panic and anxiety disorders. Please feel free to reach out.
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Harvard Avenue Counseling Services, PLLC offers in-person counseling in Ithaca, MI and virtual counseling throughout Michigan. Contact us to discuss your needs, clinician availability, and whether an approach described in this article is appropriate for you. Educational articles do not replace individual assessment or medical advice.