What a Panic Attack Feels Like, and How Therapy Can Help 

At Bareiter Counseling Center in Charlotte, we understand that panic attacks can be incredibly distressing and disruptive. Many of our clients describe them as a sudden, overwhelming sense of terror, often accompanied by intense physical symptoms. If you've experienced a panic attack, you know it's far more than just feeling "nervous." Let’s delve into what this experience is like, and how professional therapy can offer a path to relief.

The Physical and Emotional Storm

A panic attack can feel like your body and mind are betraying you. It often strikes without warning, creating a sense of imminent doom. Here's a glimpse into the experience:

• Racing Heart and Chest Pains: Your heart pounds in your chest, and you might experience sharp, stabbing pains, mimicking a heart attack.
• Shortness of Breath and Choking Sensation: You struggle to catch your breath, feeling like you're suffocating or choking.
• Dizziness and Lightheadedness: The world may spin, and you might feel faint or unsteady.
• Trembling and Sweating: Your body shakes uncontrollably, and you break out in a cold, clammy sweat.
• Numbness and Tingling: You might experience pins and needles in your extremities, or a feeling of detachment from your body.
• Intense Fear and Dread: An overwhelming sense of fear washes over you, often accompanied by thoughts of dying, losing control, or going crazy.
• Feelings of Derealization or Depersonalization: The world around you might seem unreal (derealization), or you might feel detached from yourself (depersonalization).

These symptoms can peak within minutes, leaving you feeling shaken and exhausted. The fear of experiencing another attack can lead to anticipatory anxiety, further perpetuating the cycle.

The Role of Therapy in Managing Panic and Anxiety

If you're struggling with panic attacks or anxiety disorders, know that you're not alone, and help is available. At Bareiter Counseling Center, our licensed therapists in Charlotte provide compassionate and evidence-based treatment to help you regain control.

Here's how therapy can make a difference:

• Psychoeducation: We'll help you understand the nature of panic attacks and anxiety, demystifying the experience and reducing the fear of the unknown.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps identify and challenge negative thought patterns that contribute to panic and anxiety. We'll teach you coping strategies to manage distressing thoughts and replace them with more realistic and helpful ones.
• Exposure Therapy: For those with panic disorder or agoraphobia, gradual exposure to feared situations can help desensitize you and reduce avoidance behaviors.
• Relaxation Techniques: We'll teach you relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness, to calm your nervous system and reduce anxiety.
• Developing Coping Skills: We'll work with you to develop a personalized toolbox of coping strategies to manage panic attacks and anxiety in your daily life.
• Addressing Underlying Issues: Often, panic attacks and anxiety disorders are linked to underlying emotional issues or trauma. Therapy can provide a safe space to explore and address these issues.

At Bareiter Counseling Center in Charlotte, we believe that recovery is possible. Our goal is to empower you with the tools and support you need to manage your anxiety and live a fulfilling life. If you're ready to take the first step, contact our Charlotte-based anxiety therapists today for a confidential consultation.