Why Me? Understanding the Anatomy of Panic

Clients often ask me, "Why did this happen out of nowhere?" The truth is, panic attacks are rarely "out of nowhere." They are often the result of a "full cup" finally overflowing.

Think of your stress tolerance like a cup. Daily work stress, lack of sleep, challenges at home with your kids, your partner, the home itself, and eventually something happens: It could be something as simple as a loud noise or a stressful thought. It could be an unpaid bill or a mistake in an email And then comes the panic attack.
 
Common "Silent" Triggers:
 
Suppressed Emotion: Ignoring sadness or anger for too long.
Physical Burnout: Your body using panic to force you to slow down.
The "Fear of Fear": Worrying about having an attack can actually trigger one.
The first step in understanding the anatomy of a panic attack is to accept that this is a physiological process. It is not a character flaw or a "breakdown."
 
The next step is to accept the help that is on offer. With the right support, you can learn how to befriend your body and mind. After all, it has been trying to protect you.
 
Chris Warren-Dickins LLB MA LPC MBACP
Psychotherapist in New Jersey and the United Kingdom