Panic Attacks

A panic attack can be a frightening experience, usually consisting of some or all of the following symptoms: sweating, racing or irregular heartbeat, shaking, feeling dizzy or faint, shortness of breath or finding it difficult to breathe, churning stomach or nausea, tingling or prickly feelings in limbs (legs turning to jelly), ringing in the ears, tightness in the throat, chest pains and a feeling of disconnection from the body. Panic attacks are sometimes confused for heart attacks due to similarity of symptoms.

A panic attack happens when the body is in fight or flight mode and powerful chemicals are produced, such as stress hormones, adrenaline and cortisol, to help you escape from a dangerous situation. Panic attacks can be triggered by a traumatic experience, or by a build up of stress. Panic attacks can be so unpleasant, people that suffer them often find themselves in a vicious circle of fearing the next panic attack, causing more stress and worry, leading to a higher likelihood of further panic attacks.
It is common for someone who has experienced a panic attack to fear or to avoid the situation in which they experienced the attack. This can lead to the person being reluctant to travel on the bus or train, in a car, to go into a lift or tunnel, or to social gatherings.

Hypnotherapy is especially effective at reducing stress and anxiety, and calming down the responses to triggers that have lead to panic attacks. We will help you to learn how to relax and remain calm, to build confidence that you will be able to deal with whatever comes up and put you back in control. We will help you to cultivate a more positive outlook, and thereby increase levels of happiness and wellbeing, and ensuring you continue to move forward positively.