Panic
Disorder:
Stop the Rollercoaster
Panic disorder can add considerable stress to our relationships. Avoidance behaviours may limit shared experiences, while the unpredictability of attacks can lead to terror, embarrassment, frustration, or guilt. It can cause health anxiety and depression. They can significantly disrupt day to day life, sleep, work and relaxation. Partners may struggle to understand the condition or know how to support and this that creates emotional distance. The result? A cycle of miscommunication and isolation that impacts both individuals and the connection between them. It can cause relationships to fracture.
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You can stop the emotional rollercoaster. As a therapist and panic helpliner for a national charity I can help you get your life back. Start your healing journey today, listen to my free Stop Panic Audio (free download) and give your relationship the very best chance.​​​
What is a panic attack ?
A panic attack is a sudden and intense surge of fear or anxiety that triggers physical and emotional symptoms. panic attack may triggers some unpleasant bodily sensations: including a pounding or racing heartbeat, feeling faint, dizzy or light-head, sweating, trembling or shaking, nausea (feeling sick) or vomiting, pain or ache anywhere, struggling to breathe or choking and shaky legs - unable to walk​.​ If you feel very anxious and have different bodily symptoms, you could well be having a panic attack.​
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A panic attack is a one off event, whereas a panic disorder is a mental health condition with on-going attacks coupled with anxiety surrounding the attacks.
What happens in a panic attack?
Top tips to stop a
panic attack
PRIORITY IS DIAPHRAGM BREATHING
Four steps to diaphragm breathing
1. Prepare to relax
To calm down you must sit down. Find a comfy chair or sofa where you feel safe
2. Grounding
If you can, take your shoes off and feel the ground firm and solid under your feet.
3. Find Diaphragm
Place a hand under your ribs This is your diaphragm. Your hand will feel you breathe.
4. Nose Breaths
Take 5 nose breaths. In through your nose- count slowly to 5. Then out through the nose for 5.
Connect to a panic helpline if you need instant help
A panic attack only last for 20 minutes. If it seems to last longer you are having another panic attack
If you need more help call emergency services 999, or NHS online 111.
Always keep your GP informed.
0300 772 9844
Lines open 10am - 10pm
116 123
Lines open 24 hours
03444 775 774
Lines open 10.30am - 4.30pm
Crisis
741 741 (Text HOME)
Text only service - 24 hr