Everyone experiences anxiety or panic at some point in their lives. Did you know that a little anxiety can actually be beneficial? For example, feeling anxious before a test might help you stay alert and boost your performance.
However, excessive anxiety and even panic can have a negative impact on your everyday life. Panic attacks can be overwhelming and intense. They can happen suddenly, making you feel like you’re losing control and struggling to breathe. If you’ve ever experienced a panic attack, you understand how upsetting the experience can be.
The silver lining is that panic attacks can be treated, and you don’t have to go about treating them on your own. At Expressions Counselling in Port Moody, we’re here to support you on your journey to finding greater inner peace and calm, and you can get started with this guide. Discover how anxiety differs from panic attacks, how to recognize the symptoms of a panic attack, and how therapy can help you regain control after panic attacks.
Understanding the Difference Between Anxiety and Panic Attacks
Anxiety is a normal and even helpful emotional reaction. It’s how your body responds to stress or perceived dangers. You might feel it as worry, nervousness, or discomfort about something coming up, like a job interview or a major exam. This feeling can actually push people to prepare for these situations, and it typically fades away once the event has passed.
Panic attacks are sudden and intense bursts of fear and discomfort that can hit you unexpectedly. They can happen even when there’s no clear threat or danger around. During a panic attack, you might experience a racing heart, difficulty breathing, sweating, shaking, and a sense of doom. These moments can be really overwhelming and can last for several minutes.
Individuals who frequently experience panic attacks may receive a diagnosis of panic disorder. Panic attacks are often seen in those with anxiety disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Common Panic Attack Signs
- A racing heart or palpitations
- Difficulty breathing
- A choking sensation
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- Nausea
- Excessive sweating
- Experiencing hot flashes or chills
- Trembling/shaking
- A sense of detachment
- Chest discomfort/tightness
How Anxiety is Different
Anxiety can show up as feelings of apprehension, nervousness, and worry regarding future events or perceived threats. It often comes with physical symptoms such as muscle tension, a racing heart, shortness of breath, and sweating. When anxiety becomes persistent, it can lead to irritability, trouble sleeping, and difficulty concentrating. In severe instances, it may trigger panic attacks, which are characterized by overwhelming fear, physical symptoms, and mental distress.
Different types of anxiety disorders include the following:
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Social anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Agoraphobia
- Specific phobias
CBT is the most thoroughly studied form of psychotherapy for anxiety and has consistently shown effectiveness across various anxiety disorders.
5 Ways Therapy for Panic Attacks Assists You in Taking Back Control
Panic attacks can feel overwhelming, scary, and unpredictable. Counselling can help you understand what is happening in your mind and body, reduce fear, and build confidence in managing anxiety.
1. Understand What Is Driving the Panic
Panic attacks are not always random. They may be connected to stress, trauma, unresolved emotions, health anxiety, life transitions, or chronic overwhelm. Exploring the root cause can help treatment become more targeted and effective.
2. Learn to Stop Fearing the Physical Symptoms
Panic often becomes a fear of fear cycle. A racing heart, dizziness, chest tightness, or shortness of breath can feel alarming, which can make anxiety worse. Learning to ride the wave of fear and respond differently to body sensations can reduce panic over time.
3. Process What Has Been Building Up Inside
Sometimes panic feels like a pot boiling over. Stress, grief, trauma, or emotions that have been pushed down may continue building until the nervous system reacts. Processing these experiences can reduce emotional overload and help prevent panic from escalating.
4. Rebuild Confidence and Reduce Avoidance
After repeated panic attacks, many people begin avoiding places, situations, or sensations because they fear it may happen again. Gradually facing these fears can help rebuild trust in your body and increase confidence in your ability to cope.
5. Create More Inner Calm and Alignment
Panic can increase when life feels out of sync with your needs, values, or boundaries. Building greater emotional awareness, nervous system regulation, and inner alignment can support long-term healing and a stronger sense of control.
With approaches such as EMDR, IFS, CBT, and exposure-based work, treatment can be tailored to what is driving the panic and help you move toward healing rather than fear.
Support & Counselling for Panic Attacks in Port Moody
If left untreated, anxiety or panic attacks can worsen and potentially lead to panic disorder. Seeking treatment is essential to uncover any underlying issues and to assist you in preventing the intensification of anxiety and panic episodes.
At Expressions Counselling, we offer a nurturing and non-judgmental environment, available both in-person and online, for the local Metro Vancouver community. This space is safe and inclusive, where individuals can delve into their emotions and navigate their challenges with a professional guiding them along their way.
If you find you’re having difficulty with panic attacks or anxiety, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for assistance. We are dedicated to helping you find greater inner peace and well-being. Contact us today to discover more about our counselling services for anxiety and panic attacks.
