Coping with panic attacks

Symptoms of panic and anxiety are actually more common than people may realise. You are not alone!

Panic attacks can occur as a result of a particular triggering situation, or may be completely random in nature. Symptoms may vary considerably between individuals and may occur one at a time, or all at once. But, in either case, they can be very frightening and often lead to a life filled with dread and fear as the sufferer waits for the next attack to occur.

The symptoms of a panic attack can include:

• Fear of impending doom
• Loss of control
• Difficulties in breathing
• Hyperventilation
• Shaking
• Dizziness
• Numbness
• Tingling of the body or limbs
• Transient paralysis
• Sweating

There are also many more symptoms, with a wide variety of symptom patterns.

On a more positive note, we can rest assured that these symptoms are not life-threatening, but are, in fact, our completely natural "fight or flight" responses. These bodily responses aim to protect us in our daily lives. For example, if we needed to escape from imminent danger, these responses would kick in naturally and provide us with the best opportunity to escape. Typically, adrenaline is released, thus speeding up our heart rate so that blood can be pumped around our bodies more quickly. This enables increased levels of oxygen to be sent to our muscles, in preparation for demand. During this period, various enzymes are also released into our bloodstream to assist us in running from danger, or fighting for survival.

An individual who suffers from panic attacks is often aware that there is no imminent danger, but is powerless to resist the feelings of panic. Their bodily responses are accordingly those of "fight or flight", a completely irrational response in the circumstance. Hypnotherapy can help the individual suffering from panic attacks to become more aware of their bodily responses to stimuli, to understand what is "going on" with regards to panic and anxiety and to assist in alleviating symptoms. The number of hypnotherapy sessions required may vary depending upon the individual's experiences, but this would be discussed during the initial free consultation and any other questions answered.