Panic Attacks and Anxiety
Is this a panic attack, or is something seriously wrong?
Your heart is pounding. Your chest is tight, you're shaky, sweaty, dizzy or short of breath. Your hands tingle, or everything feels unreal. And the thoughts come fast:
"Am I having a heart attack?"
"Am I going to pass out?"
"What is happening to me?"
Some people end up in Emergency, only to be told everything is fine. If that's you, it may have been a panic attack. They're terrifying, but they're not dangerous in themselves, and they can be treated.
A quick safety note: If you have chest pain, trouble breathing, or symptoms you haven't had checked before, get medical help first. Once a doctor has ruled out a physical cause, panic is a much more likely explanation.
What is a panic attack?
A sudden surge of fear with strong physical symptoms, often seemingly out of nowhere. It usually peaks and fades within minutes, though it can feel far longer.
Because there's no obvious reason, many people blame the place where it happened. A panic attack on a plane, a train, in a lift or a shopping centre can make that place feel unsafe, and life starts to shrink.
What are the symptoms?
• Heart and breath: racing heartbeat, palpitations, tight chest, difficulty breathing
• Body: sweating, trembling, dizziness, nausea, tingling or numbness
• Mind: feeling detached or unreal, terrified, out of control
• Afterwards: "fear of fear," constantly dreading the next attack, which can bring on more anxiety
Why does anxiety happen?
Anxiety is a normal survival response. When you face a threat, your brain releases adrenaline to prepare you to fight, flee or stay alert, and it settles when the danger passes. The trouble starts when it keeps firing without any real danger, leaving you on edge, restless and unable to relax. It can affect sleep, concentration, relationships, work and confidence.
What's generalised anxiety?
Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) feels like living in constant worry: you can't switch off, you feel tense, and you expect something bad to happen.
• Overthinking and constant worry
• Feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope
• Trouble relaxing or sleeping
• Muscle tension, shakiness or sweating
• Fear of being judged, or social anxiety
• Low confidence and self-doubt
"What if it happens again?"
"I can't cope with this."
"Why can't I just relax?"
What about social anxiety?
For some people anxiety centres on other people: dreading meetings, overthinking conversations afterwards, worrying constantly about being judged. It can quietly affect confidence, relationships and career.
Can it be treated?
Yes. Panic and anxiety are among the most treatable problems, with several well-supported options including CBT, and your doctor can discuss these and medication.
I help you understand what is driving your panic and anxiety. Often it's stress, overwhelm or fear that has built up over time. We work gently on the automatic reactions behind it, without forcing you into frightening situations. The aim is for you to feel calmer and more in control. I tailor the approach to you and can't promise a particular result.
Can I get help from home?
Yes. Sessions run online via FaceTime, Zoom, WhatsApp or Messenger, wherever you are. All you need is a phone, tablet or computer, a good internet connection and somewhere private.
What's the first step?
A free, no-obligation consultation to talk through what's been happening and see whether working together feels right. Call 0409 254 500 or email me.
Liz has been incredibly supportive in helping me overcome chronic anxiety. After trying multiple traditional methods that provided only temporary relief, I was skeptical about finding a lasting solution. However, BWRT with Liz was truly transformative. From the very first session, I noticed a shift in situations that once triggered overwhelming anxiety became manageable, and I finally felt in control of my thoughts and emotions.
Liz’s expertise, patience, and compassionate approach made all the difference. Thanks to her and BWRT, I now experience a sense of peace and freedom I never thought possible. I highly recommend her to anyone struggling with anxiety!
Thanks Liz.
- ND
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call your local emergency number:
United States: 911
Australia: 000
New Zealand: 111
Need to talk to someone now? Free, confidential support is available 24/7:
United States: call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). You can also text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line).
Australia: Lifeline 13 11 14 (call) or text 0477 13 11 14. Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467.
New Zealand: call or text 1737 (Need to Talk?). Lifeline Aotearoa 0800 543 354.
Elsewhere: find a helpline in your country at findahelpline.com.
We’re not a crisis service and can’t respond to urgent messages.
