What Are Panic Attacks And Why Do They Happen?
A panic episode is characterised by a sudden, intense feeling of anxiety, discomfort or fear, accompanied by strong body feelings (such as difficulty breathing, heart beating rapidly) and catastrophising thoughts (such as thinking you’re losing control or having a heart attack).
It can strike without notice and be highly debilitating. Panic attacks can occur for no apparent reason or in response to a specific incident or situation, causing sudden episodes of intense anxiety. They might happen at any time of day or night.
Panic episodes are not hazardous, but they are frightening and unpleasant. There are treatments available to help if you suffer from panic attacks, such as controlling your breathing and seeking assistance from your health care provider.
What are panic attacks?
A sudden, intense feeling of fear or anxiety, breathing, and loss of control characterises a panic attack. These emotions can be so intense that they disrupt your everyday routines. Panic attacks can occur in response to a specific trigger, such as a stressful event or a circumstance that makes you feel unsafe. If you’ve experienced a panic attack, it’s not uncommon to become concerned or worried about having another one.
Physical signs include a racing heart, shortness of breath, and chest pain. You may also experience dizziness, light-headedness, or nausea. These symptoms can make you feel like you’re having a heart attack or going crazy. Panic attacks usually peak quickly and last for several minutes, but the feeling of anxiety can last for hours or even days afterwards.
Why do panic attacks happen?
There is no single cause of panic attacks; nevertheless, various variables can contribute to them. Genetics, family history, stress, anxiety, and specific medical conditions are examples of these. People suffering from panic disorder frequently live in fear of experiencing another attack and may avoid areas or situations where they have had past attacks. Such avoidance can make it difficult to carry on with your day-to-day life.
Related Article:OCD: How To Get Help
How to Deal with Panic Attacks
Below are some strategies people have found helpful in managing panic attacks:
1. Learning to recognise the symptoms and indications of a panic attack, including bodily sensations and catastrophising thoughts. This can help you realise when a panic attack is approaching so you can take preventative measures or, at the very least, minimise the symptoms.
2. Take calm, deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth when you sense a panic attack coming on. This will aid in relaxing your body and mind.
3. Practising relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation.
There are several reasons why someone might suffer from panic attacks, and often, the root cause is unknown. Panic attacks themselves are not a psychiatric condition. However, panic attacks are the key symptom of panic disorder.
There are psychological treatments available that can help lessen the frequency and intensity of panic attacks. Psychologists can help identify patterns in your panic attacks, as well as possible triggers that may be causing them.
They can also provide you with coping mechanisms to deal with your panic attacks when they do occur. In some cases, medication may also be prescribed (by a GP or psychiatrist) in combination with therapy.
If you suffer from panic attacks, it’s vital to seek out professional help to manage them effectively. A psychologist can provide you with the tools to help you lead an everyday life.
Meet Your Clinical Psychologists In Newcastle
Dr Emma Doolan is a Clinical Psychologist based in Newcastle. With a collaborative and evidence-based approach, she helps clients overcome various challenges such as anxiety, depression, stress, and trauma.
Emma is experienced in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and other modalities like schema therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and compassion-focused therapy. She holds a PhD in clinical psychology and has completed her registration as a clinical psychologist from AHPRA. Emma is a member of several professional associations, including ACPA, APS, AACBT, and APN.
Paige Cornell is a clinical psychologist in Newcastle who has experience in therapeutic modalities such as Motivational Interviewing, CBT, Schema Therapy, DBT, and ACT. She focuses on building a solid therapeutic relationship and tailoring treatment to each individual. Paige has experience in private practice, NGOs, and forensic settings.
She works with a diverse range of mental health issues, including anxiety, mood disorders, PTSD, relationship problems, substance abuse, and offending behaviours. Paige is particularly interested in helping LGBTQI+ individuals and those dealing with trauma and substance abuse. She is fully registered and endorsed as a clinical psychologist and a board-approved supervisor for psychologists. Paige is a member of ACPA and APS, holding a Master's in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor's in Psychological Science (Honours).
Taylah Armstrong is a Clinical Psychologist in Newcastle. She focuses on developing solid therapeutic relationships to assist individuals in enhancing their well-being and achieving their goals. Taylah is skilled in treating various concerns such as anxiety, stress, mood disorders, trauma, and eating disorders.
She utilises evidence-based therapies like CBT, DBT, and ACT. Taylah has worked in public healthcare, primary care, and education sectors. She is fully registered and endorsed as a clinical psychologist by AHPRA and holds a Master's and Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Newcastle.
Paige Whitfield is a clinical psychologist in Newcastle with experience in private and public health settings. She collaborates with health professionals, families, and schools to provide evidence-based treatments like CBT, Narrative Therapy, and ACT for various issues. Paige has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology (Honours) and a Master's in Clinical Psychology. She is fully registered and endorsed as a clinical psychologist and is a member of APS and ACPA.
Dr Kaitlin Fitzgerald is a clinical psychologist in Newcastle who takes a collaborative and client-centred approach to therapy. She creates a warm and relaxed environment for clients, aiming to make therapy sessions comfortable and even enjoyable. Kaitlin holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) from the University of Newcastle. In addition to her private practice at ELD Psychology, she also works in public mental health treating adults with various mental health issues.
Kaitlin has experience working with a wide range of concerns, such as anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties. She is skilled in evidence-based therapies like CBT, Schema Therapy, DBT, and ACT. Kaitlin is fully registered as a clinical psychologist with AHPRA and is approved to supervise provisional and registered psychologists.
Eliza Newton is a person-centred Clinical Psychologist dedicated to helping clients explore their deeper selves. She tailors her approach to each client, using psychodynamic therapy for self-exploration or structured techniques like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, and Schema Therapy. Eliza focuses on individuals overcoming childhood trauma, including Complex PTSD, and helps those with ADHD develop organisational and emotional well-being strategies. With experience in private practice, inpatient settings, and psychiatric rehabilitation, she addresses challenges from anxiety and mood disorders to severe mental illness.
Eliza holds a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) from the University of Newcastle and a Master of Clinical Psychology from Western Sydney University. She is registered as a Clinical Psychologist with AHPRA and is a member of AAPi and ACPA.
Disclaimer
The content provided on this blog is intended for Australian audiences and is for informational purposes only. It should not be considered as professional psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information shared here is based on general knowledge and experience in the field of psychology, but it may not be applicable to your specific situation.
Always seek the advice of your psychologist or other qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding a psychological condition or treatment. Never disregard professional psychological advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog.
If you are in crisis or you think you may have an emergency, call your doctor, or dial 000 immediately. This blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
The opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of any affiliated organisations or institutions.