Panic Attacks

• A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense anxiety that usually involves very uncomfortable physical symptoms like nausea, dizziness, sweating, and heart palpitations. If you have never had a panic attack before, you might assume you are having a heart attack or some other serious medical emergency. As a result, a lot of people go to the emergency room when they have a panic attack. 
  
  
• A panic attack can happen when you are overwhelmed with anxiety and not coping well. Some people rarely have panic attacks but some people have them on a regular basis. Having a panic attack can be so uncomfortable and frightening that some people develop more anxiety because they worry about having another one. If you have regular panic attacks, you might be diagnosed with a panic disorder. 
  
  
• If you have experienced abuse, neglect, or have PTSD, you might have panic attacks when experiences from the past get triggered. 
  
  
• Some people take medication to manage panic attacks. Learning grounding, relaxation, and mindfulness techniques can also be helpful, as well as addressing the root cause of the anxiety with a therapist.

More information about panic attacks:

https://www.healthline.com/health/panic-attack-vs-anxiety-attack

https://www.anxietycanada.com/disorders/panic-disorder/

https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/panic-disorder

If you are struggling with panic attacks, please reach out to book a free consultation.