Anxiety and Panic

Are you struggling with intense feelings of fear and physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat and difficulty breathing? These may be signs of a panic attack.

How does Anxiety Begin?

Anxiety is a normal and often healthy emotion that everyone experiences from time to time. It can become a problem when it is chronic and affects daily life. Anxiety starts with a trigger, which can be a specific situation, thought, or physical sensation. This trigger activates the body’s fight or flight response, releasing stress hormones and increasing heart rate and blood pressure.

Anxiety can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, traumatic experiences, and stress. People with a family history of anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions are more likely to experience anxiety. Additionally, stressful life events, such as the loss of a loved one or a job, can increase the risk of developing anxiety disorders.

Anxiety can also be maintained by negative thought patterns and behaviors, such as avoidance, worry, and rumination. This can create a vicious cycle, where the individual becomes more anxious and engages in these negative thought patterns and behaviors even more.

How does Panic Start?

Panic starts with a trigger, which can be a specific situation, thought, or physical sensation. The trigger activates the body’s “fight or flight” response, releasing stress hormones such as adrenaline and increasing heart rate and blood pressure. This physical response is designed to prepare the body to deal with a perceived threat, but in some individuals, it can become intense and overwhelming, leading to a panic attack.

Panic attacks are characterized by sudden, intense feelings of fear and physical symptoms such as a rapid heartbeat, sweating, shaking, and difficulty breathing. These physical symptoms can be frightening and can lead to further panic and anxiety.

There are several factors that can contribute to the development of panic disorders, including genetics, brain chemistry, and traumatic experiences. Individuals with a history of trauma, anxiety, or depression are more likely to experience panic attacks. Additionally, stressful life events, such as the loss of a loved one or a job, can increase the risk of developing panic disorders.

With support and guidance, it is possible to manage your symptoms and to reclaim your life. Don’t let panic control you any longer.

How does EMDR Therapy Help Anxiety and Panic?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a type of psychotherapy that has been proven to be effective in treating anxiety and panic disorders. EMDR therapy works by helping individuals to process traumatic memories and experiences that may be contributing to their anxiety and panic symptoms.

Anxiety and panic disorders can arise from a variety of experiences, including traumatic events, childhood abuse or neglect, and stressful life experiences. These events can leave emotional imprints in the brain, leading to persistent anxiety and panic symptoms. EMDR therapy helps individuals to process these experiences and to integrate the emotional and sensory components of the memories in a healthier way.

EMDR therapy uses a combination of bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or tapping, to help individuals access and process traumatic memories stored in the brain. This stimulation activates both sides of the brain, allowing the person to process the information in a more adaptive way. The therapist guides the individual through the process, helping to create a sense of safety and security while they work through their traumatic experiences.

One of the key benefits of EMDR therapy is that it can be done in a relatively short amount of time, making it accessible to many individuals who may struggle with traditional forms of therapy. Studies have shown that EMDR therapy is effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and panic, including reducing the frequency and intensity of panic attacks.

EMDR therapy is also non-invasive, making it a safe and effective alternative for those who may be hesitant to take medication for their anxiety and panic symptoms. Unlike medication, EMDR therapy does not have any long-term side effects, and it allows individuals to work on the root causes of their anxiety and panic.

EMDR therapy is a highly effective form of therapy for individuals struggling with anxiety and panic disorders. By helping individuals to process traumatic memories and experiences, EMDR therapy can provide long-lasting relief from anxiety and panic symptoms. If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety or panic, consider seeking the help of a trained EMDR therapist. With support and guidance, it is possible to overcome these challenges and to reclaim your life.

Don’t let anxiety and panic control your life any longer. Take the first step towards healing and book your appointment for EMDR therapy today. With support and guidance, it is possible to overcome these challenges and to reclaim your life.