Panic disorder symptoms
The symptoms of panic disorder can be very distressing and frightening, especially as they are often completely unexpected and develop abruptly. Panic attacks can strike anywhere and at any time. They tend to peak after 10 minutes and last between five and 20 minutes, however in rare cases some last longer. People with panic disorder may have one while they are out shopping, walking down the street, driving their car or even when they are relaxing at home.
As well as overwhelming feelings of anxiety, panic attack symptoms may also include a combination of the following:
- feeling dizzy, faint or light-headed
- hot or cold flushes
- sweating
- trembling or shaking
- chest pain or discomfort
- heart palpitations
- shortness of breath
- a choking feeling
- fear of dying, losing control or going crazy
- numbness or tingling sensations
- nausea
- dry mouth
- a need to go to the toilet
- ringing in your ears
- a feeling of dread
- shivering.
At Castle Counselling Services we can offer you a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space in which to explore your anxiety and panic attacks. This may be assisted by our counsellors offering you a combination of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy which will assist you in focusing on the negative thinking patterns and behaviours that may be triggering or sustaining your panic attacks. By helping you to view your fears in a more realistic light, we can assist you in developing new coping skills, which may make it easier to deal with any future panic attacks. We will also offer you individualised relaxation and breathing/mindfulness techniques which you can utilise to assist you in practically dealing with your anxiety/panic on a day to day basis.
