Stress, anxiety and panic attacks

Most people will feel anxious from time to time, but sometimes the level of anxiety they are experiencing can become very uncomfortable or problematic.
Anxiety produces both psychological and physical symptoms (called the “Fight or Flight Response” – we will write more about this in the near future).

The physical symptoms that tend to cause the most concern are tightness and sometimes pain in your chest, the sensation of your heart racing, light headedness or dizziness, feeing like your choking or can’t breathe, and queasiness in your stomach. Other symptoms that you may be aware of include sweating, trembling and a dry mouth.
As well as these uncomfortable physical sensations, we can have worrying thoughts and fears about what might happen.

Sometimes this mental distress can be so severe that it in turn leads to greater anxiety and triggers a panic attack. Panic attacks can be very unpleasant and in some people, will lead to an avoidance of certain places or situations that they believe may trigger their attacks.

It is important to know that problematic anxiety is very treatable. There are a number of recognised, well researched techniques that are effective in the management of anxiety, stress, and panic attacks. Our Counselling Psychologist Truce Wright can assist you to reduce your stress, control your anxiety more effectively, and eliminate panic attacks altogether.