Panic Counsellng in Vernon
It can come out of nowhere. A sudden feeling of fear with possible symptoms of sweating, pounding heartbeat, shortness of breath, chest tension, dizziness and unreality may take you by surprise. You might feel the need to get out of sight from others for fear of embarrassment. It might take half an hour or longer before you are able to carry on with the day.
Counselling for Panic Attacks
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There are practical solutions to reduce or eliminate panic attacks. Here in Vernon, I help clients apply solutions that are already well-known and tested in the world of psychotherapy science. Our goals for panic counselling are:
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Identify triggers and conditions leading to panic
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Learn calming techniques to ease physical symptoms
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Learn mental strategies to stop racing catastrophic thoughts
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Reduce overall levels of anxiety
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Resume normal activities
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What is a Panic Attack?
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For accurate diagnosis, you should check with a psychiatrist or other medically qualified professional. For your own information here, the official diagnostic criteria for panic attacks is that you experience an abrupt surge of fear or discomfort that includes four or more of these symptoms:
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Palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate
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Sweating
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Trembling or shaking
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Sensations of shortness of breath or smothering
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Feeling of choking
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Chest pain or discomfort
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Nausea or abdominal distress
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Feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded, or faint
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Derealization (feelings of unreality) or depersonalization (being detached from oneself)
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Fear of losing control or “going crazy”
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Fear of dying
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Paresthesias (numbness or tingling sensation)
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Chills or hot flushes.
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Additionally, these panic attacks can lead to fear of going out in public over worries that you may be embarrassed by having other see you having a panic attack.
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Good News About Panic Attacks
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More people experience panic attacks than you might think. Many just keep it quiet, thinking there is something really wrong with them. With the right kind of treatment, panic attacks can be greatly reduced or eliminated. You don't need to live with being debilitated or threatened with anxiety like this. Often counselling with be enough. Sometimes medication prescribed by your doctor may be of assistance. To get a deeper understanding of panic attacks and some of the proven solutions, read this article on panic treatment, approved by the American Psychological Association.
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I would be glad to talk with you more about this. Call 236-600-9923 or use the booking link or contact form below.
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