Panic Attack

​

A panic attack is the abrupt onset of intense fear or discomfort that reaches a peak within minutes and includes at least four of the following feelings: Palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate. Sweating. Trembling or shaking. Sensations of shortness of breath or smothering.

​

What can trigger a panic attack?

Although the exact causes of panic attacks and panic disorder are unclear, the tendency to have panic attacks runs in families. ... , such as the death of a loved one, divorce, or job loss can also trigger a panic attack. Panic attacks can also be caused by medical conditions and other physical causes...

​

What is the difference between a panic attack and an anxiety attack?

An anxiety attack, people may feel fearful, apprehensive, may feel their heart racing or feel short of breath, but it's very short lived, and when the stress or goes away, so does the anxiety attack. Panic attack on the other hand doesn't come in reaction to a stress. It's unprovoked and unpredictable.

​

Are Panic Attacks Dangerous?

Because of the disturbing physical signs and symptoms that accompany panic attacks, they may be mistaken for heart attacks or some other life-threatening medical problem. ... Loved ones, as well as medical personnel, generally attempt to reassure the panic attack sufferer that he or she is not in great danger.

​

Most people with panic attacks experience several of the following feelings:

• "Racing" heart.

• Feeling weak, faint, or dizzy.

• Tingling or numbness in the hands and fingers.

• Sense of terror, or impending doom or death.

• Feeling sweaty or having chills.

• Chest pains.

• Breathing difficulties.

• Feeling a loss of control.

​

Hypnosis for panic attacks

Hypnosis is becoming a more recognized method for dealing with anxiety, and so is also thought to be helpful in managing panic attacks. Hypnotherapy for anxiety can help rebuild self-belief and boost confidence, as well as helping to reduce feelings of fear and worry. Hypnotherapy can help you learn and build on the ability to access your calmer state of mind, which is needed to help cope with the overwhelming emotions you are feeling.

Hypnosis for panic attacks is similar to hypnotherapy for anxiety. It aims to access your subconscious and use the power of suggestion to promote positive change. The suggestions used by the hypnotist will be tailored to your individual situation; what is causing your panic attacks and why, and working to change the way your body responds to triggers.

Suggestions may include: 

• ‘You are in control of this, nothing is going to hurt you’

• ‘Slow your breathing, it will help you feel calm’

• ‘You can get through this, just breathe’

​

The idea of these suggestions is that when you next feel a panic attack coming on, your subconscious will return to these statements to help you cope.

​

Hypnosis for panic attacks can help you regain a sense of control and normality in your life. It can help you understand what may have caused your anxiety, help you recognize signs of the onset of an attack and provide you with tools to manage and overcome the feelings.

Relaxation is also a key part of hypnosis. Panic attacks can often cause, or worsen feelings of anxiety, as you fear the next attack, not knowing when it will happen. Hypnosis for anxiety can also teach you valuable relaxation techniques, to help reduce your overall stress and worry - lowering your risk of another attack.