What are Panic Attacks?

While everyone experiences them differently, some common symptoms include:

• Physical: racing heart, pounding chest, shortness of breath, sweating, chills, shaking, numbness or tingling, nausea, dizziness

• Emotional: intense fear, anxiety, terror, feeling of unreality, feeling of losing control, sense of impending doom

What are the impacts of panic attacks?

Panic attacks can significantly impact quality of life, leading to work and social difficulties.

• Work and social difficulties: The intense fear and physical symptoms can disrupt daily routines, leading to work absences and social isolation

• Mental health comorbidities (other associated issues): Panic attacks can contribute to the development of other mental health conditions like low mood and depression and low self esteem and confidence

Here are some key statistics about panic attacks in the UK

• Lifetime prevalence: Based on UK-wide studies, estimates suggest up to one in three people in Scotland might experience a panic attack at some point in their lives.
• 12-month prevalence: Although specific Scottish data is limited, studies in England indicate around 2.3% of adults experience panic disorder in a given year. This translates to a potential 60,000 individuals in Scotland facing recurring panic attacks.
• Age and gender: Similar to the UK trend, panic disorder is most common in the 35-49 age group in Scotland and affects women disproportionately, with nearly twice the prevalence compared to men. If you are reading this then you either know you are (or someone you know is) living with anxiety or are trying to figure out if it is what you are experiencing and if therapy can help. If you already know you are experiencing anxiety then you don’t need me to tell you how uncomfortable, unhelpful and, at many times, limiting it can be. If you are trying to figure out if you are overly anxious then here is some information to help you know.

Panic attacks are, unfortunately, a common experience so if you are experiencing them please reach out. In sessions I will guide you through the process of how to resolve them so you can move from coping to thriving, be equipped to live a life you feel good about and create a future you are inspired by.

Sessions are available in person and online.