An attack can be a sudden and overwhelming experience. Your heart pounds and you can’t catch your breath, and fear possesses you. It’s that feeling that many describe as out of control even when there is no immediate risk. If panic attacks are interfering with your life, help is available. In Cleveland, our psychiatrist provides treatment that can assist you in reducing panic symptoms and return to a state of peace.

What Is a Panic Attack?

A panic attack is an unexpected period of intense fear or discomfort. The attacks tend to have both physical and emotional symptoms, including:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain or tightness
• Dizziness or nausea
• Sweating or trembling
• Fear of loss of control or “going crazy”

Although panic attacks are not lethal, they can feel terrifying. Multiple attacks can also result in avoidance behaviors, where people do their best to avoid situations they perceive as potential triggers for another episode. This can disrupt work, school and relationships.

Why Panic Attacks Happen

There are a number of different reasons for a panic attack. Stress, genetics and alterations in brain chemistry may all be factors. Occasionally they co-occur with disorders like Generalized Anxiety Disorder or depression. Other times, they come on without any apparent reason.

The bright side is that panic attacks are treatable. Through professional care, you can be taught how to manage symptoms and to minimize their frequency.

How a Psychiatrist Can Help

Panic and anxiety disorders are things a psychiatrist is trained to diagnosis and treat. If you’ve been looking for a psychiatrist near Parma OH, you’ve already come to the correct place. There are advantages to working with a psychiatrist:

• Accurate diagnosis: Knowing if panic is associated with anxiety, depression or another condition.
• Medications: There are prescriptions that can help regulate brain chemistry and alleviate symptoms of panic.
• Individual attention: Customized treatment developed specifically for your unique conditions.

Medication by itself is usually only part of the solution, but can be a useful adjunct when layered along with psychotherapy and support for lifestyle.

The Role of Counseling

For panic attacks, therapy is one of the most effective forms of treatment. Counseling can help you discover coping mechanisms, practice relaxation, and learn about what activates your symptoms.

For instance those in Bedford may be the lucky ones to take advantage of anxiety counseling Bedford services. Therapy offers a place to discuss fears, minimize avoidance and regain courage. Most patients see results within a few weeks of beginning treatment.

What Treatment Looks Like

The treatment for panic attacks frequently involves a combination of the following:

• Diagnosis and testing: Your provider will take a detailed history, and ask about your symptoms and lifestyle.
• Treatments: Methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) are used to break thought patterns and lower panic symptoms.
• Medication (if necessary): Medications, such as anti-anxiety medications or antidepressants, may be used.
• Self-care: Sleep, exercise and a relaxation technique such as mindfulness or deep breathing can help to decrease the intensity of panic attacks.

This dual-approach treatment process focuses both the physical and emotional aspects of panic attacks.

When to Seek Help

If panic attacks are disrupting your functional living, it’s important to seek expertise. So how do you know when you’re rehashing the same true cost of mental illness too many times?

• Recurrent panic attacks not bound to any specific circumstance
• Avoidance of social and work situations because of fear of a panic erectus 
• Continual anxiety or depression and panic attacks
• Problems at work, school, or home due to inability to function adequately

And asking for help is not a sign of weakness — it’s making the first step toward taking back control.

Finding Support in Cleveland

Recovery can be facilitated by getting care locally. If you’re seeking anxiety counseling Bedford or a psychiatrist near Parma OH, we’re here to help. We empathize with the struggle of having panic attacks and offer empathetic, evidence-based treatment to help you overcome them.

Final Thoughts

Panic attacks can be all-consuming, but they don’t have to rule your life. But with the help of counseling, psychiatric care and lifestyle support, it is possible to reduce symptoms and regain confidence.

If you have been thinking about anxiety counseling Bedford or looking for a psychiatrist near Parma OH, our Cleveland psychiatrist is here to help you. Start today, relief and recovery are in sight.