What is an Anxiety Attack & Where Do They Come From?
By : Katherine Pica LCSW
Sometimes it hits you out of nowhere. At other times, you can feel it coming on slowly, building inside of yourself. Either way, you know there’s absolutely nothing you can do. You just have to accept it and deal with it, just like you’ve been doing for as long as you can remember. Beads of sweat start to form on your forehead. Your heart rate increases. It’s becoming more difficult to breathe with each passing minute. Before you know it, you’re shaking and trembling.
You want to run and hide, but you know you can’t escape it. You close your eyes, and you can feel it inching closer. Nausea hits you hard. You peek open one eyelid, and you’re met with what you were afraid of. Hello, anxiety. Let’s learn more about anxiety attacks and where they come from.
What is Anxiety?
First things first, what exactly is anxiety? Anxiety is the body’s natural reaction to pressure, danger, or any perceived threat. The human body tends to react with either a fight or flight response.
Anxiety isn’t always a bad thing. It’s actually a normal human emotion that one can experience. It’s just as common as other emotions, such as happiness, sadness, anger, and disgust. If you experience a little anxiety every now and then, there’s nothing to be concerned about. Anxiety is what helps your body determine how to decide the problems that come up in your life.
What is an Anxiety Attack?
If and when the signs and symptoms of anxiety worsen or start to take control over your life, this is a good indicator that there is a larger issue at play. This is known as an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety attacks can be a common occurrence in individuals who suffer from anxiety disorders. Anxiety attacks are increased worries, discomfort, or ruminative thoughts.
The Signs and Symptoms
These are some of the most common signs and symptoms associated with anxiety attacks:
Chest pain
Digestive issues
Dizziness
Increased heart rate
Lightheadedness
Muscle aches and pains
Nausea
Numbness
Shortness in breath
Sudden changes in body temperature
The Cause
Anxiety attacks are often caused by certain triggers that are stressful or put some type of pressure on an individual. These are some of the most common causes of anxiety attacks:
Negative thoughts
Worries
Misinterpretation of physical symptoms
Behaviors
Avoidance
Safety behaviors
Stress
Substance use and/or abuse
Trauma
Work stressors
Treatment Options
Anxiety attacks can make you feel trapped or no longer have control over anything in your life. You’re not alone if you feel this way. Luckily, there are treatment options available to you.
Here are a few strategies you can implement on your own end to try to reduce some of the signs and symptoms you may be experiencing:
Aim for at least eights hours of sleep each night
Avoid negative self-talk
Body scan
Deep breathing
Eat healthy and well-balanced meals
Get outside
Move your body for at least thirty minutes each day
Practice mindfulness
Write in a journal
Seek out a panic attack specialist
Next Steps
Implementing your own lifestyle changes and coping techniques can be a great way to reduce some of the signs and symptoms you’re experiencing.
If you’re still struggling with anxiety, anxiety attacks, or a combination of the two, therapy is a great treatment option. We specialize in treating anxiety. all of our therapists have extensive training on anxiety and the treatment of it we have helped many overcome their struggles and could help you learn tools and skills to effectively better manage your symptoms. Anxiety and anxiety attacks are completely treatable! Working with an anxiety therapist can help you get to the root cause of your anxiety and find better ways to manage it moving forward.
If you’re interested in learning more about therapy for anxiety, reach out to us today to set up a free consultation.
Therapy for anxiety attacks
When working with an Anxiety therapist it’s important to ask them how often they deal with anxiety and if they have specilized training. Its good to ask them if they have helped people heal. The answer should be absolutely!
Anxiety Attack treatment San Diego, CA
At Resilience Counseling we specialize in anxiety treatment. As Anxiety therapists we teach people how overcome and manage their anxiety. We have helped so many like you overcome their struggles.. There is so much freedom in this! If you are looking for help for your Anxiety attack we are here to help. Contact us today!
A bit about the Author: Katherine Pica Anxiety Therapist - San Diego, CA
Katherine Pica is the owner and founder of Resilience counseling. She supervises all the therapists at Resilience counseling. She has been practicing since 2007 for over 17 years! Trained in CBT and ERP for Anxiety and Anxiety attacks. Katherine brings years of experience working with OCD to you. Available in San Diego, CA for session in person and all over California for virtual therapy.
Anxiety Attack treatment and other areas of treatment
San Diego, CA
Disclaimer : The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional and or medical advice, diagnosis, and or treatment. It is important to always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a mental health and/or medical condition. Never disregard any professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the Resilience Counseling website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 or local emergency number immediately.
