Understanding Panic Disorder: When Fear Feels Overwhelming

Anxiety can take many forms, and one of the most intense experiences is panic disorder. While many people experience occasional anxiety or even a single panic attack during stressful times, panic disorder is different. It is characterised by repeated, unexpected panic attacks and the persistent fear of having another one.

What is a Panic Attack?

A panic attack is a sudden surge of intense fear or discomfort that peaks within minutes. The body reacts as though it is in real danger, even when there is no actual threat. Common symptoms include:

🔹Racing heart or palpitations

🔹Shortness of breath or a choking sensation

🔹Sweating, ,shaking, or dizziness

🔹Chest pain or tightness

🔹A feeling of losing control or even fear of dying

For someone with panic disorder, these attacks happen repeatedly and often without warning. The fear of having another attack can lead to avoidance behaviours - steering clear of public places, travel, or even leaving the house alone. This cycle can quickly disrupt work, relationships, and everyday life.

Where Does Panic Disorder Come From?

There isn’t a single cause. Genetics, early life experiences, and major stressors can all play a role. Often, unresolved trauma or suppressed emotions contribute to the body’s heightened state of alertness. Over time, the nervous system becomes conditioned to respond with fear even in safe situations.

How Counselling Can Help

🔹Therapy offers a safe space to understand what panic attacks are and why they happen. Together we can:

🔹Explore the triggers and underlying causes of panic.

🔹Learn grounding and breathing techniques to regulate the body in moments of fear.

🔹Address unresolved emotional experiences that may fuel the anxiety.

🔹Build confidence and resilience to break the cycle of avoidance.

Moving Forward

Living with panic disorder can feel exhausting and frightening, but it does not have to define your life. With the right support, it is possible to regain control, reduce the frequency of panic attacks, and move toward a calmer, more balanced way of living.

In this ongoing series, I’ll continue exploring different types of anxiety disorders to raise awareness and highlight how therapy can help.

If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety, in whatever shape or form - help is available. For more information contact me here.