Those who struggle with panic disorders live a life full of fear and worry. It’s not the disorder itself that causes such distress; it’s waiting for the next panic attack to occur that does. Panic disorders rob a person of the ability to live life to its fullest. Many who struggle with them will begin to withdraw from society until they feel isolated and alone. It’s not just distressing for the individual who is struggling. Those who love them must also see their loved one be trapped in a cycle of fear without a clear avenue of escape.
However, there is an escape. With proper treatment and support, anyone can recover from a panic disorder. It requires one to understand that they need help and accept it. At Driftwood Recovery, clients from all walks of life can find compassionate and quality mental health treatment. There, no person has to fear judgment or belittlement. Panic disorders are a real and valid condition, and those who struggle with them deserve to be understood.
To further understand how those with panic disorders can achieve recovery, we must first examine what panic disorders are.
What Are Panic Disorders?
A panic disorder is a mental and behavioral disorder that is characterized by panic attacks that are unexpected and recurring. It’s a type of anxiety disorder that is associated with disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and phobias like agoraphobia. How a panic disorder manifests depends on the individual and any co-occurring conditions.
Nobody is quite sure exactly what causes panic disorders, but several risk factors have been identified. Those who have a family history of panic disorders, have experienced a traumatic event, are dealing with heavy stress, smoke or drink excessive caffeine, or have experienced a major life change are at risk for a panic disorder.
Panic disorders are marked by the presence of panic attacks. These are sudden episodes of intense fear that can trigger severe physical reactions. There is usually no real danger or apparent cause of these panic attacks. Though some can be triggered, many panic attacks will simply happen when least expected. They can be extremely frightening and make those experiencing them feel as though they are dying or having a heart attack. Though frightening, a panic attack doesn’t last forever and will eventually go away. However, the intensity of them is enough to be a constant worry.
Signs of a panic attack include:
- Feelings of impending doom, loss of control, death, or danger
- Chest pains and a rapid, pounding heart rate
- Sweating
- Hot flashes or chills
- Shaking or trembling
- Abdominal cramping and nausea
- Headache, dizziness, lightheadedness or faintness
- Tingling sensations or numbness
- Shortness of breath or tightness in your throat
- Feelings of detachment or that nothing is quite real
Treatment for Panic Disorders at Driftwood Recovery
There are several ways that one can seek help for their panic disorder. Treatment facilities like Driftwood Recovery have the means to treat a wide array of conditions. Panic disorders often co-occur with other conditions, so individuals must be evaluated first before a treatment plan can come together.
The most common treatments for panic disorders are psychotherapy and medication. Psychotherapies, like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), work to help clients cope with their disorders. This works by providing clients with a healthier way to think, behave, and react to their feelings after or during a panic attack. Exposure therapy is another part of psychotherapy that helps clients confront the fears that may be contributing to their panic attacks. The goal is to help clients integrate back into activities that they loved but began to avoid because of their fear of panic attacks.
Medications are also commonly used to treat panic disorders. Their goal is to reduce the physical symptoms a person may feel as the result of a panic disorder, such as a racing heartbeat. Medications are also used to reduce the feelings of anxiety that may trigger a panic attack. It’s not a way to completely erase a disorder. Instead, it allows a client to become more comfortable and find relief so they can focus on their treatment. Like all medications used at Driftwood Recovery, care is taken to make sure the client adjusts to their medication safely.
Besides psychotherapy and medication, clients also have access to other forms of treatment that can help with panic disorders. Practicing wellness, understanding their nutritional needs, and participating in therapeutic recreation can all help clients who struggle with panic disorders. What treatments a client receives besides psychotherapy and medication depends on their individual needs and any co-occurring condition that they are working on.
When Will the Fear Go Away?
It takes time and hard work to recover from a panic disorder. Medications often need adjusting to find the perfect dosage to suit a client’s needs. Psychotherapy works at the pace a client sets, and it’s not a process that can be rushed. In general, it’s advised to go at a pace that feels natural, as attempting to brute force progress often results in burnout and discouragement.
However, the fear can and will stop. Those who seek and stick with treatment find success in recovering from and managing their condition. Panic disorders are so scary because they isolate those who struggle with them. By finding support from fellow peers, clients learn that they are more than their disorder and that they are not alone.
The opposite of fear is courage. Once you find the courage to seek help, you will have the courage to overcome any type of fear and face any challenge. With this in mind, you can take back your life from panic disorders and live it to the fullest.
There are countless people today who live with a panic disorder. Those with a panic disorder often have to restructure their lives entirely to avoid triggering it. This can make it difficult for them to live life to its fullest. Thankfully, there’s a way for those struggling with a panic disorder to take back their lives. Here at Driftwood Recovery in Driftwood and Austin, Texas, clients have access to professional and quality treatment. Under the guidance of compassionate and caring mental health care professionals, clients learn how to manage their conditions and achieve recovery. Remember, anyone can achieve recovery, no matter who they are. If you or a loved one is struggling, don’t wait. Call (512) 759-8330 today.