Panic Disorder | What is it and is it treatable? CBT Kenya

Panic disorder occurs when you experience recurring unexpected panic attacks. Panic attacks can be very frightening. When they occur, you might think you’re losing control, having a heart attack or even dying. You may feel terrified and overwhelmed, even though you’re not in any danger. Many people don’t know that their disorder is real and highly responsive to treatment. Others suffer in silence, distancing themselves from friends, family, and others who could be helpful or supportive.

What Causes Panic Attacks?

• Although the exact causes of panic attacks and panic disorder are unclear, the tendency to have panic attacks runs in families. It can also appear to be a connection with major life transitions such as graduating from college, entering the workplace, getting married, or having a baby.

What a Panic Attack Feels Like

Panic attacks typically begin suddenly, without warning. They can strike at any time, when you’re driving a car, at the mall, sound asleep or in the middle of a business meeting. You may have occasional panic attacks, or they may occur frequently.

One of the worst things about panic attacks is the intense fear that you’ll have another one. You may fear to have panic attacks so much that you avoid certain situations where they may occur.

While panic attacks can feel different for everyone, there are some common symptoms:

• shortness of breath
• a racing heart
• feeling a loss of control or safety
• chest pain
• nausea
• dizziness

How to Treat Panic Attacks

• Avoid using drugs. These can all provoke panic attacks in people who are susceptible. If you need help to kick the cigarette habit, read our blog. Also, be careful with medications that contain stimulants, such as diet pills and non-drowsy cold medications.
• By learning to control your breathing, you can calm yourself down when you begin to feel anxious. And if you know how to control your breathing, you’re also less likely to create the very sensations that you’re afraid of.
• Insufficient or poor-quality sleep can make anxiety worse, so try to get seven to nine hours of restful sleep a night.
• Seeing a friend or loved one suffering a panic attack can be frightening. But by helping your loved one ride out a panic attack, you can help them feel less fearful of any future attacks. Find a quiet place for your friend to sit and then guide them to take slow, deep breaths for a few minutes.
• Once the panic attack is over, your loved one may feel embarrassed about having an attack in front of you. Reassure them and encourage them to seek help for their anxiety.

A Word From CBT Kenya

Panic attacks, while intensely uncomfortable, are not dangerous. But panic attacks are hard to manage on your own, and they may get worse without treatment.

Treatment for panic disorder focuses on reducing or eliminating your symptoms. This is achieved through therapy with a qualified professional. Therapy teaches you to change your thoughts and actions so that you can understand your attacks and manage your fear.

At CBT Kenya we have a qualified team of psychologists who are ready to have a talk with you. Get in touch with our psychologists on +254 739 935 333/+254 756 454 585, email us on info@cbtkenya.org or visit our website for more details.