It’s that sudden, intense feeling that overtakes your mind and physical body, but doesn’t go away or seem logical. Panic disorder is not a healthy reaction to stressful situations. And, in some cases, it may occur even when you don’t seem to be thinking about anything to make you feel anxious. Panic disorder is an intense, diagnosable condition. Once you understand what’s happening, you can start working on treatment.
At Willow Creek Behavioral Health in Green Bay, Wisconsin, we offer a wide range of treatment strategies to provide you with the relief you need. We’ll help you determine what’s happening and why, and then we’ll assist you in obtaining the stabilization and ongoing care you need.
What Is Panic Disorder?
Panic disorder causes frequent and unexpected panic attacks. They are often characterized by a sudden wave of fear or intense discomfort, or in some situations, a sense of having no control over what is happening. Many times, there is no clear trigger or danger present.
A panic attack causes physical symptoms that can feel as intense as a heart attack. You may feel like your heart is racing, your mind is moving in numerous directions at the same time, and you have tingling or pain in your chest or stomach. Some people may sweat suddenly. Others wake up out of a sound sleep with no idea why, but feeling intense emotional stress.
Panic disorders often develop over time as panic attacks worsen. They can happen to anyone, though the National Institute of Mental Health reports that women are more likely to develop panic disorder than men.
What Are the Signs of Panic Disorder?
The signs of panic disorder range widely, but some of the most common symptoms include:
- Sudden onset of panic attacks, especially those that begin to happen more frequently
- Feelings of overwhelming fear and anxiety
- Fear of death or some type of doom occurring
- Intense worry when someone else in the same situation might not be as worried
- Fear or avoidance of people, places, or things that have occurred in the past
Physically, you may experience sweating, a pounding heart, chills, chest pain, numbness in the hands or arms, and stomach pain. Some people feel physically ill. Others suffer gastrointestinal complications. You may feel weak, dizzy, or feel like you cannot catch your breath.
If you are feeling any of these signs of panic disorder, it’s time to take action. The good news is that treatment can be highly effective and life-changing.
How Is Panic Disorder Treated?
The physically intense feelings of panic attacks can cause significant discomfort. It’s terrifying and completely uncontrollable. When it happens to you and then keeps happening over time, seek out help from a mental health treatment center in Green Bay like Willow Creek. If you’re facing intense fear right now, we welcome you to visit us – even without an appointment for immediate care.
How can panic disorder be treated?
A specialized treatment designed for you is the best way to treat panic disorder. Some of the ways we may address your mental health needs include:
- Psychotherapy: Often called talk therapy, this is a type of counseling where you’ll work one-on-one with a therapist who’s experienced in panic disorder. Your provider will help you through a series of treatment options, including cognitive behavioral therapy, to help you change the thought patterns that lead to panic attacks.
- Exposure therapy: We will never put you in a dangerous situation, but exposure therapy allows you to break the hold that a past trauma has created for you, potentially helping to reduce panic attack symptoms as a result.
- Medications: Many people need medication to help them navigate these challenges. Medications may include antidepressants, beta blockers, and anti-anxiety medications. There are many potential treatment options we can pursue.
- Healthy lifestyle habits: You’ll also learn healthy habits that can support your recovery. That includes strategies for managing stress, supporting your body’s nutritional needs, and having a support group to help you navigate the challenges.
- Substance use disorder treatment: Many people with panic disorder turn to drugs or alcohol to self-medicate. In situations where you’ve developed a substance use disorder, we’ll help you navigate the complications and break the physical dependency.
You are not alone in this process, but you shouldn’t wait to take action. Panic disorder isn’t just an uncomfortable feeling. It can place significant strain on your heart, increase the risk of developing depression or conditions such as agoraphobia, or cause social isolation.
Seek Help from Our Mental Health Support Team Now
At Willow Creek Behavioral Health, we believe in providing you with exceptional care in a supportive environment. Panic disorder is scary, but treatment can be very effective. Contact us now to learn more.
