The terms “panic attack” and “anxiety attack” are often used interchangeably. Typically speaking, panic attacks describe the exact same symptoms as anxiety attacks, only they are experienced more intensely. For all intents and purposes, though, they describe the same symptoms and should be treated using the same methods and techniques.
What are Panic and Anxiety Attacks?
An anxiety or panic attack is usually said to occur when someone experiences four or more of the symptoms that I outlined in my article called “Panic Attack Symptoms”.
Panic and anxiety attacks can occur just about anywhere and at any time. While they are more likely to happen when you are somewhere outside of your home, they can just as easily happen while you’re relaxing on the couch as they could while you are at work, shopping in a store, or driving in your car.
Panic and anxiety attacks can be scary and overwhelming and can start to take over your life if you don’t know how to treat them.
My hope is to help you to prevent that from happening and, if it already has, to guide you through the process of overcoming it.
Self Help or Professional Help for Panic and Anxiety Attacks?
If you are experiencing panic or anxiety attacks, I highly recommend that you speak with a professional.
The issue is that if you aren’t using the right therapies for managing your anxiety attacks and coping with them, symptoms have a tendency to get worse. You can start to build an anticipatory anxiety based on a fear of triggering anxiety and panic attacks, which can cause you to actively hold yourself back in your life.
For example, if you were shopping in a grocery store and experienced a panic attack, you may then associate that location with the experience of the attack and will avoid going out of fear that it could happen again. This trend could continue until you are avoiding a large and growing number of places and situations.
This is why I feel that it is a good idea to seek professional help and not to wait before doing it. Once you do, you will learn many ways that you can continue to help yourself to overcome these attacks. That said, your self-help should begin with the guidance of a professional.
I Can Help
I have dedicated a large portion of my practice to assisting children, teens, and adults with anxiety disorders and panic attacks. My goal is to help you to learn how to take control over the feelings, thoughts, and behaviors that are at their heart, so that you can rise above them and free yourself from their struggles and restraints. Please contact me now to set up your free consultation.