Panic Attacks and Anxiety Treatment
Heart racing? Tight chest? Feeling like something is seriously wrong?
Your heart is pounding. You feel shaky, sweaty, dizzy or short of breath. Your chest feels tight. Maybe your hands tingle, you feel detached or suddenly overwhelmed by terror.
You might even think:
“Am I having a heart attack?”
“Am I going to pass out?”
“What is happening to me?”
Perhaps you have even ended up in Emergency, terrified something serious is wrong, only to be told that medically, everything is fine.
If this sounds familiar, you may have experienced a panic attack.
And although panic attacks are incredibly frightening, they are also very treatable.
What is a panic attack?
Panic Attacks can feel overwhelming and frightening, especially when they seem to happen “out of nowhere”.
Many people have no idea why panic attacks are occurring, which often leads them to blame the place where it happened.
For example, if you experience a panic attack on a plane, you may begin avoiding flying altogether. If it happens in a shopping centre, train, cinema, lift or restaurant, those places can suddenly start to feel unsafe too.
Before long, life can begin to shrink.
But panic attacks are rarely about the location itself.
In many cases, panic symptoms are your nervous system reacting to underlying stress, unresolved emotions, anxiety, overwhelm or fear that has built up over time. Once you understand what is driving the panic response, meaningful change becomes possible.
Panic attack symptoms
A panic attack can feel intensely physical, which is why so many people believe something serious is happening medically.
Common panic attack and anxiety symptoms include:
Rapid heartbeat or heart palpitations
Tight chest or difficulty breathing
Sweating or trembling
Dizziness or feeling faint
Tingling sensations or numbness
Feeling detached or unreal
Nausea or stomach discomfort
Feeling out of control or terrified
After experiencing several panic attacks, many people begin developing what is often called “the fear of fear” - constantly worrying about when the next panic attack might happen.
Ironically, this fear itself can trigger more anxiety and panic.
Anxiety: why it happens
Anxiety is actually a normal survival response.
When we face genuine danger, the brain releases adrenaline to help protect us - preparing us to fight, flee or stay alert. In a real threat, this response naturally settles once the danger has passed.
The problem comes when anxiety begins showing up even when there is no immediate danger.
You may feel constantly on edge, overwhelmed, restless or unable to relax, even when life appears “fine” on the outside.
Anxiety can begin affecting sleep, concentration, relationships, work, confidence and everyday activities.
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Generalized Anxiety Disorder often feels like living in a constant state of worry.
You may struggle to switch off your mind, feel permanently tense or find yourself expecting something bad to happen.
Common experiences include:
Overthinking and constant worry
Feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope
Difficulty relaxing or sleeping
Muscle tension, shakiness or sweating
Heart palpitations or feeling “on edge”
Fear of being judged or social anxiety
Low confidence and self-esteem struggles
Many people with ongoing anxiety also experience social anxiety, people-pleasing, self-doubt or feeling emotionally exhausted.
The good news is that anxiety patterns can be changed.
Social anxiety and fear of judgement
For some people, anxiety centres around other people.
You may feel nervous speaking up in meetings, dread social situations, overthink conversations afterwards, or worry constantly about being judged.
Social anxiety can quietly impact confidence, relationships, career progression and quality of life - but it does not have to stay that way.
Can panic attacks and anxiety be successfully treated?
Yes - panic attacks and anxiety can respond extremely well to therapy.
If you have been stuck in cycles of fear, overwhelm or panic, therapy can help uncover and resolve the patterns driving the anxiety rather than simply helping you manage symptoms.
My approach is gentle, supportive and tailored to you. There is no pressure to force yourself into frightening situations or feel overwhelmed in the process.
Every person experiences anxiety differently, which is why I always assess the best therapeutic approach for your individual situation.
Online therapy for panic attacks and anxiety
Sessions are available via FaceTime, Zoom, WhatsApp or Messenger, making therapy accessible wherever you are in the world. All you need is a phone, tablet or computer, a good internet connection and somewhere comfortable where you can talk privately.
You do not have to keep living in fear of the next panic attack
Panic attacks and anxiety can feel frightening and exhausting, but help is available.
You do not have to keep avoiding places, constantly worrying, or feeling controlled by fear.
If you would like to understand what is happening and explore your options, please get in touch. I offer a free, no-obligation consultation where we can talk through what has been going on for you, answer your questions and discuss the best way forward. Please either emailor call me on 0409 254 500
It is possible to feel calm, confident and back in control again.
