What is Panic Disorder?

What is Panic Disorder?

Have you ever felt tightness in your chest, mouth getting dry, shakiness in your hands and/or legs, and an intense feeling of doom?  Perhaps it suddenly feels difficult to breath, you feel your heart racing a mile a minute, and you just want to run outside because you need space and feel like you are losing control of yourself.  You may have experienced a panic attack.

A panic attack is an unexpected episode of heightened anxiety.  This typically occurs when there is no real danger or cause.  Some of the symptoms include feeling faint, heart racing, sense of doom or terror, sweating, shaking, and/or feeling a loss of control. 

Sometimes we can have one or two panic attacks throughout our life during times of stress.  The stress resolves or lessens and there’s no further panic attacks.  Panic attacks may become problematic when they are occurring about once a month followed by fear of having another panic attack and avoiding situations that may trigger panic attack.  The panic attacks and the fear of having panic attacks starts to interfere with every day life. This is called panic disorder.

Counseling for Panic Attacks in Colchester, CT

I think I might be struggling with panic attacks.  Now what?

If you think you may be struggling with Panic Disorder, you may want to see schedule an appointment with your Primary Care Physician to check on your health to see if you are experiencing a panic attack vs experiencing a health concern (it is always good to rule out any medical concerns first).  Then, you may want to schedule an intake appointment for therapy.  Panic attacks are a scary feeling and there is treatment available.  Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can be an effective therapy treatment modality in reducing and managing panic attacks.  To read more on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy click here. 

Counseling in Colchester, CT

Participating in  therapy can be a way to cope and reduce panic attacks.  If you are struggling with panic or anxiety, contact Azalea Counseling & Wellness for a phone consultation today. 

Providing counseling services for the town of Colchester, as well as, counseling for the Salem, East Haddam, East Hampton, Marlborough, Hebron, and Lebanon communities.