Know the triggers for panic attacks

People often believe that their panic attacks come out of nowhere and thus are out of their control. However, there is usually a cause (i.e. trigger) for panic attacks. There are four common panic attack triggers that cognitive-behavioral therapy or introspection can help you identify:

1) Situations – ex. a crowded room, loud noise, bright lights, feeling trapped.

2) Thoughts – ex. thinking about an upcoming flight, deadlines, or medical concerns.

3) Physical sensations – ex. sweating, an increase in heart rate, or other physical sensations that you’ve come to associate with panic attacks can trigger the attack, even if you weren’t anxious to begin with.

4) Emotions – ex. getting angry can trigger panic for some people; feeling lonely or stressed for others.

Learning new ways to respond to panic triggers.

1) Changing irrational thinking processes about panic triggers (e.g. “My heart is racing but that does NOT mean I will have a heart attack.”)

2) Gradually exposing yourself to situations that trigger panic in order to get used to them and feel safe in them.

3) Gradually becoming accustomed to the physical sensations that trigger panic. (e.g. Intentionally increasing your heart rate or inducing sense of breathlessness — this is a technique called Interoceptive Exposure.

4) Developing tools for managing anger or other emotions that may trigger panic.

5) Noticing anxiety in its early stages so you can address it before it turns into panic.

Learning new ways to respond to panic symptoms

1) Becoming skilled at relaxing yourself in order to have control over the physical signs of panic.

2) Reminding yourself that though unpleasant, the attack is harmless and will pass.

3) Learning to tolerate the experience of anxiety.

4) Anxiety Relief Practice to prevent exacerbation of panic symptoms.

By clicking on Tests, you can learn whether any anxiety related issues that you are experiencing merit further attention. There is a Social Anxiety, Social Phobia, and Anxiety as well as tests around other issues that you might find helpful.

I have been providing Anxiety Treatment for panic attacks, generalized anxiety disorders and phobias for over 35 years. You can expect expertise, understanding and compassion from me. I view the counseling relationship as a safe place for healing and growth to occur. I feel privileged to hear and come to understand how your story has affected who you are today. And I would love to see you break out of your negative patterns and experience real joy, as you finally experience the meaningful change you have almost given up on.

 Call me at 314-644-3339.  I am ready to help.

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