Anxiety and Panic Attacks
Anxiety and Panic Attacks
We all experience some worry from time to time, and this is completely normal. However with anxiety, persistent “what-ifs”, agitation, restlessness, racing thoughts and worry may have you feeling out of control. As human beings, we naturally want to know what will happen next and that we have a sense of control, because it signals safety. Anxiety is the mind-body response to living in the past and/or the future and requires a mind-body approach to healing.
You may find that your mind is absorbed with various scenarios that may have happened in the past or that you fear may happen in the future. You may even find yourself uncontrollably worrying about things that are unlikely to occur, but you cannot help but to think about them anyways. Feelings of irritability, difficulty concentrating and muscle tension may be among some of symptoms you also experience.
Anxiety takes place not only in the mind, but also in the body. You may feel tightness in your chest or a churning in your stomach, when all you want is to hit the “pause” button and regain a sense of control. While these may be some difficult feelings to deal with, the good news is that therapy can help. Determining the root of the anxiety, learning the neuroscience, understanding your triggers and working on individually tailored holistic approaches to coping and managing symptoms will help you to evolve and reclaim your power.
Do I Have An Anxiety Disorder?
It is normal to feel worried from time to time. Life is full of stresses and uncertainty. However, when constant worry and fear prevents you from having satisfying relationships, to work productively or to feel satisfied with your life, you might be suffering with an anxiety condition.
If you have high levels of anxiety, you might experience several of these frequently:
- Feeling irritable
- Trouble concentrating
- Feelings of nervousness
- Muscle tension
- Feeling jumpy
- Upset stomach
- Trouble falling and staying asleep
- Tremors or twitches
- Hyperventilation
With anxiety, you may also experience panic attacks on occasion. These instances seem to occur without warning and you may feel terrified and helpless. The physical feeling of a panic attack is often confused with that of a heart attack. However, many are surprised to learn it is the body’s response to one or more triggering stimuli. A panic attack is essentially sudden and intense anxiety, fear or terror to a perceived or actual danger.
How Can Therapy Help With Anxiety and Panic Attacks?
- Education on the neuroscience of anxiety
- Reduction in the duration, frequency and intensity of anxiety through various mind-body based approaches
- Get to the core of your symptoms and explore where they may have stemmed from
- Learn to identify unrealistic expectations set by yourself or those around you
- Learn what your needs are and how to meet them
- Get in touch with who you really are and how to create a life that nurtures and inspires you
- Learn to set healthy boundaries with yourself and others
- Learn to regulate your nervous system
- Create vibe-care and vibrational wellness routines
