What exactly is a panic attack?

Many of my clients ask what a panic attack is. A panic attack is sudden and intense fear. It’s unexpected, usually. Your heart rate increases, you may feel like your doing or you’re going crazy.

Panic attacks are horrible. Fortunately, therapy can treat them. Often when people experience panic attacks they do not know what they are. A big part of therapy is teaching people about panic attack symptoms:

• pounding or racing heart

• sweating

• chills

• trembling

• chest pain

• difficulty breathing

• weakness or dizziness

• tingly or numb hands

• stomach pain or nausea

These are some comment symptoms that many people suffer from. Anxiety and panic disorders are one of the most common mental health issues in the United States. As a therapist in New Jersey, I often treat people with panic attacks. As in my earlier posts, I’ve discussed how busy and overstimulating NJ can be. This is a breading ground for anxiety and panic attacks. Many New Jersey residents are overworked, stressed and exhausted from trying to keep up in the area. This can leave people open to be vulnerable with panic attacks. Seeing a therapist that knows how to treat panic attacks is a great place to start and heal.