“The only thing to fear is fear itself.”
Panic disorder usually starts with a panic attack which often comes unexpectedly, and for various reasons, it is particularly impactful. Often the first panic attacks are particularly scary because they are unfamiliar and often create intense fear. Unfortunately, usually the fear of having another panic becomes the trigger to panic disorder. In other words, people start panicking about panicking which …you guess it…triggers more panic attacks! In order to avoid having additional panic attacks, people usually start to gradually limit their behavior and their environment, and cope through avoidance.
There is a subtype, which is panic disorder w/ agoraphobia. This is essentially the result of a person becoming so fearful of having another panic attack that they don’t want to leave their home. Typically treatment starts with you sharing your story with me. I will lead you on an exploration of your core values which we will use as a guiding light through treatment. We will work together on a routine to include self care and relaxation training. We will also start to incorporate mindfulness practices so we can learn to leverage our brain to our advantage. We will look for any contributing factors like environmental stress, unmet basic needs, relationships, caffeine intake, diet and exercise. We work together to identify what can change and what we can’t change but what we can choose to accept. We often work with the “trigger→belief→behavior” sometimes referred to as ABC (antecedent, belief, consequence) to experiment with more helpful beliefs and see how changing our thoughts can change our emotions and behavior.
Treatment is similar to other anxiety disorders, using cognitive behavioral strategies to help you think in more helpful ways, behavioral strategies to help you address anxiety symptoms and reduce avoidance behavior that interferes with your daily life. I can help you learn to not fear panic attacks and instead cultivate an attitude of non judgmental acceptance.
The irony of panic disorder is that once you stop feeling fearful about having another panic attack, they usually drastically decrease, if not completely end.