Panic Disorder
Do you have a fear of having a panic attack and now find yourself avoiding certain social situations because of it?
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Panic disorder is more than just feeling anxious from time to time, it’s when you experience sudden, intense waves of fear or panic that can feel overwhelming and out of control. These panic attacks can include a racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, or the feeling that something terrible is about to happen. Because they can be so intense, people often start avoiding situations where they think an attack might happen, which can interfere with daily life.
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What are you avoiding?
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Are you avoiding grocery stores or crowded places? Do you hate driving or being stuck in traffic? Did you stop exercising because you cannot handle the racing heart or shortness of breath? Or maybe you hate being alone because you need someone there "just incase you have a panic attack."
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How can therapy help me?
ERP, or Exposure and Response Prevention, can be really helpful if you struggle with panic attacks. The idea is to gradually face the sensations or situations that trigger your panic, in a safe and controlled way, instead of avoiding them. By doing this repeatedly, your body and brain learn that the panic sensations, while uncomfortable, aren’t dangerous and don’t need to be avoided. Over time, you start to feel more in control and less fearful of future attacks, breaking the cycle of panic and avoidance.