Panic Disorder
Panic disorder can make you feel as though something is seriously wrong, even when you are not in immediate danger. You may also become worried about having another panic attack, leading you to avoid certain places, activities, or situations that may trigger panic It is common to monitor your body for signs of panic and to miss out on meaningful experiences while you are trying to prevent panic. These patterns can interfere with daily life and reinforce the fear of panic.
Panic disorder responds well to treatment, and symptoms can become much more manageable. At Wise Mind Counseling, I provide individualized, evidence-based treatment for adults struggling with panic disorder. Treatment can help you become more comfortable with the physical sensations of panic, reduce avoidance, and gain confidence in your ability to handle anxiety.
What Does Panic Disorder Look Like?
Many people experience a panic attack in their lifetime. Panic disorder is when there are repeated and unexpected panic attacks along with extreme fear about the next panic attack. You may start to overly focus on physical symptoms and what the symptoms mean. This fear of having a panic attack and avoiding situations is exactly what keeps the cycle of panic going.
A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear along with physical reactions. Physical sensations include a racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest tightness, or feeling out of control. Panic attacks can also involve negative or catastrophic thinking, including fears about what might happen physically, emotionally, or socially.
How CBT Can Help With Panic
In CBT for panic, You will learn about the cycle of panic and skills to decrease symptoms, including relaxation and breathing practices, different ways of responding to anxious thoughts, and how to face situations that you avoid because of panic.
Treatment may help you:
- Learn about panic and identify your specific symptoms and goals.
- Practice breathing techniques.
- Choose everyday and meaningful situations that you want to start facing.
- Manage your fears when physical sensations similar to panic show up.
- Understand the likelihood of your fears happening and how you will cope if they do happen.
Complementary treatments to CBT for panic: Mindfulness and self-compassion skills can teach people to come to the present moment and notice panic related thoughts and feelings without worsening them. The skills encourage a gentle frame of mind and support you in recovery.
Common Questions About Panic Disorder
What causes a panic attack: It is a combination of physical symptoms, anxious thoughts, and avoidance.
How long does a panic attack last? Panic attacks can last on average 5-20 minutes and generally less than an hour. The panic attack usually peaks within minutes. Panic can become more manageable when you learn to experience the symptoms without trying to control or resist them.
What is Agoraphobia? Panic disorder can lead to Agoraphobia, which is either extreme dread or complete avoidance of situations when an escape is either difficult or unavailable. Situations often include open spaces, away from home, enclosed spaces, public transportation, standing in line or being in a crowd.
Will exposure therapy make my panic worse: Exposure therapy is gradual and collaborative. It helps you learn that feared sensations and situations can be tolerated. This new learning develops through facing your fears rather than continuing to avoid them.
Panic Therapy in Green Bay
Green Bay Location:
321 Saint George Street
Green Bay, WI, 54302
Treatment is tailored to your symptoms and the individualized patterns that keep your panic symptoms going. The goal is to help you build practical skills, become more comfortable with physical reactions and anxious thoughts, and return to a meaningful life.