If you’re someone who experiences panic attacks, you’re well aware of how overwhelming they can be. Whether they strike unexpectedly or are triggered by specific situations like public speaking or encountering a spider, panic attacks bring intense anxiety and a rush of physical sensations (along with scary thoughts) that can leave you feeling frightened and out of control. But here’s the good news: there is hope! Psychological therapy can be incredibly effective in treating and overcoming panic attacks.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on negative thought patterns and behaviours that may contribute to your panic attacks. Through CBT, you’ll learn coping strategies to manage your symptoms and regain a sense of control over your life.
Relaxation techniques for instance are an essential skill. They help you learn how to calm both your body and mind during a panic attack. These techniques can include deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and grounding exercises. They serve as excellent tools to refocus your mind and reduce those frightening body sensations.
Thought challenging is another technique used to help you identify and counter unhelpful negative thoughts that contribute to your panic attacks. Many people worry during an attack that they’ll lose control, faint, have a heart attack, or even die. Thought challenging helps you address these fears head-on.
Exposure therapy, another technique in CBT, gradually exposes you to the situations or triggers that typically lead to your panic attacks. Although it might sound intimidating, confronting your fears in a controlled environment enables you to learn how to manage your symptoms and ultimately overcome panic attacks.
In addition to CBT, other forms of therapy, like acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), can also be beneficial. The key is to find the approach that works best for you and meets your unique needs. When seeking treatment for panic attacks, it’s important to work with a trained psychologist who can provide guidance and support throughout the process.
Panic attacks can be challenging and distressing, but with the right treatment, you can learn how to manage your symptoms and conquer your fears. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for help – you deserve to live a life free from panic.