A professional and compassionate full-service counseling center in Northern New Jersey and New York City for over 35 years | (201) 467-4173
Someone with a panic disorder needn’t be in harm’s way to be overwhelmed by a sudden surge of intense fear along with chest pain, nausea, sweating, a racing heart and shortness of breath. A panic attack can happen while simply watching a favorite movie or reading in bed. These outbreaks usually last five to 20 minutes. Recurrent panic attacks aren’t deadly, but they can drastically affect your quality of life. Treatment from a therapist can be quite effective.
When looking for care from a therapist, you want a thoughtful and detailed provider who makes you feel at ease, listens to your concerns, offers excellent service and works with you throughout your treatment. [Mars & Venus Counseling Center is proud to possess all of those qualities.
Don’t let fear of a panic attack control your life. When you feel a panic attack brewing, take away its power by acknowledging your anxiety and repeating to yourself that you’re not in actual danger.
Stay grounded by focusing on objects and people in your surroundings. For example, if you’re in an airport, look at another person and imagine where he (or she) is going and why. Visit a newsstand and concentrate on the words and images on the covers of the magazines and newspapers. Your thoughts will be diverted from your fear and worry.
Panic attacks feed on your worst-case scenarios. “What if everyone laughs at me?” “What if my car breaks down?” Recognize the trepidation, and remind yourself that your imagination is on overdrive and that you can handle whatever transpires.
Breath control is a greatly underutilized defense against angst. Close your eyes, be still, and place one of your hands between your navel and the bottom of your ribcage. Take slow, deep breaths through your nose and smoothly exhale through your mouth for at least two minutes. Count from one to five on each inhale and exhale. Also, the up-and-down motion of your hand will have a soothing effect.
We here at [Mars & Venus Counseling Center believe that life is too short to be held back by mental health issues. Please call today to find out how we can help you.
By New Jersey Centers for Counseling
October 26, 2022