Panic attacks are overwhelming episodes of intense fear and anxiety. And if you’ve ever experienced one, you know they can leave you feeling frightened, helpless, and exhausted.
While they often strike without warning, panic attacks do come with early warning signs — and those signs give you the opportunity to reclaim control. Understanding the early signs of a panic attack can help you prevent escalation, and our team is here to help.
The therapists at Boston Neurobehavioral Associates specialize in telehealth care for panic attacks and anxiety. We work with you to help you learn how to recognize panic attacks and manage them to improve your quality of life.
Panic attacks can come on suddenly and escalate quickly. And the sooner you spot the early signs, the sooner you can implement coping strategies to better manage your experience.
Some of the most common warning signs of a panic attack are:
One of the first signs of a panic attack is a sudden increase in heart rate. Your heart starts pounding rapidly, even though you may only be sitting still. Some people also experience heart palpitations, which can create a sense of impending doom.
Along with a racing heart, panic attacks can cause chest pain or discomfort. These sensations can mimic symptoms of a heart attack, which only adds to the sense of fear and impending danger.
Feeling out of breath or struggling to take deep breaths is another early indication of a panic attack. This sensation may lead to hyperventilation, making you feel lightheaded or dizzy.
Another common symptom of a panic attack is sudden, profuse sweating — even in cool environments. You might also experience uncontrollable trembling or shaking throughout your body.
Digestive distress, like nausea or an upset stomach, can precede or accompany a panic attack. Although they might seem unrelated, these symptoms can develop due to your body's physiological response to stress and anxiety.
A panic attack can cause emotional symptoms that often manifest as overwhelming feelings of fear, dread, or impending catastrophe. When it happens, you might feel like you’re losing control or even going crazy.
Panic attacks can be debilitating — and the fear of experiencing another episode often creates even more anxiety. Seeking professional help is a pivotal step in learning to cope with your panic attacks.
At Boston Neurobehavioral Associates, we take a holistic approach that includes therapy, medication, or a combination of the two. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), in particular, is a good, evidence-based therapeutic approach for managing panic attacks.
CBT helps you recognize and challenge negative thought patterns and beliefs that contribute to your anxiety. Throughout therapy, you learn how to:
Your therapist works with you to pinpoint the specific triggers that lead to your panic attacks. By understanding these triggers, you’re better equipped to cope with them more effectively.
Depending on your situation, we may recommend exposure therapy as part of treatment. Exposure therapy involves gradually and safely confronting your feared situations or triggers, with the goal of decreasing the frequency and intensity of your panic attacks.
In therapy, you can learn and practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises and progressive muscle relaxation. These techniques can help reduce the intensity of panic attacks and promote a sense of calm during anxious moments.
We strive to provide a supportive environment where you feel safe to express your feelings. Together, we develop a plan to help you manage your anxiety and panic attacks.
Remember, seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a courageous step toward healing, and it can empower you to transform your quality of life. Schedule your first telehealth appointment at Boston Neurobehavioral Associates to get started today.
