Panic attacks revolve around feeling terror, says this recent article. “Though people mainly associate them with the mind, they’re actually constellations of symptoms, both physical and cognitive. Your brain is seized by fear; your body responds, and it can be hard to make sense of it all.”
“People having panic attacks are bombarded by mental and physical symptoms, which can vary from person to person. Their hearts might race and throb. They may feel that they cannot breathe. Their limbs might tingle. Sometimes they shake. They may grow nauseous. Their chests could tighten, and some report a sensation of feeling they’re being choked. Some people experiencing panic attacks may suddenly feel hot and sweaty, others feel like they have the chills. And then there’s the churning and destabilizing fear. In the throes of a panic attack, people may worry that they are going insane, losing control of their minds and bodies. They may think they are having a heart attack or even that they are going to die.”
“Most people who regularly experience panic attacks do not experience all of these symptoms, but may have many of them.”
“A diverse set of stressors — like traumatic events, financial worries or even public speaking — can prompt panic attacks. But they can also occur unexpectedly, with no discernible trigger.”
“When people experience intense stress, it activates the sympathetic nervous system, a network of nerves that trigger what psychologists call the ‘fight or flight’ response to perceived danger. The body releases chemicals like epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, and norepinephrine, which cause the heart to go into overdrive, pupils to swell and our skin to release sweat.”
Counseling with Elaine Korngold for Panic Attacks
In Brainspotting therapy sessions, we practice a technique called “vergence” that combines slow breathing with gazespotting for about 60 seconds. We also process whatever trauma may be remaining in our bodies from previous panic attacks, or the anxiety around future panic attacks.
Brainspotting therapy accesses the genius of our deeper emotional brain. During the healing process I am fortunate to observe how intelligent, inventive, and intuitive all human beings are. Creativity is revealed through their resilience, survival, and recovery.
With your focused vision and my attuned presence and verbal guidance, emotional Brainspots can be released in a gentle and non-invasive way. There is no need to be in chronic emotional pain. Please text or email me for a free consultation.