Early warning signs of mental health struggles
Recognizing the early signs of mental health struggles can help you or someone you love get the support they need.
Panic disorder is characterized by recurring and unexpected panic attacks, which can be very intense and frightening.
Real-life Scenario: Emma often experiences sudden, overwhelming feelings of fear, along with physical symptoms like rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, and dizziness, even when there's no apparent danger.
How to Cope: Breathing exercises, mindfulness, and grounding techniques can help reduce the intensity of panic attacks. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is also very effective in managing panic disorder.
People with panic disorder often experience fear or anxiety about having future panic attacks, which can lead to avoidance behaviors.
Real-life Scenario: David avoids crowded places or public speaking because he's afraid that a panic attack might occur during these situations, even though he's not having one at the moment.
How to Cope: Gradual exposure therapy and relaxation techniques can help reduce the fear of future attacks. Therapy can also help individuals challenge irrational fears about panic attacks.
Panic attacks often come with physical symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, and a racing heartbeat, which can be mistaken for a heart attack.
Real-life Scenario: Sarah experiences sudden chest tightness and rapid heartbeat, which makes her worry she might be having a heart attack, but her doctor reassures her it's related to panic attacks.
How to Cope: Learn to recognize panic attacks as a temporary physiological response. Practicing deep breathing, meditation, and relaxation techniques can reduce the physical symptoms.
People with panic disorder may start avoiding places or situations that they associate with panic attacks, which can severely limit their life.
Real-life Scenario: Alex avoids driving on highways and large shopping malls because he had a panic attack in these places in the past. He now limits his activities to prevent triggering a panic attack.
How to Cope: Exposure therapy and gradually facing feared situations can help break the cycle of avoidance. CBT can also be helpful in changing avoidance behavior.
During a panic attack, some individuals experience depersonalization, which is a feeling of being detached from oneself or reality.
Real-life Scenario: Jane often feels like she's watching herself from the outside during a panic attack, as though everything around her is unreal or distorted.
How to Cope: Mindfulness techniques and grounding exercises (e.g., focusing on physical sensations or your surroundings) can help bring you back to reality during a panic attack.
Discover mental health services and support groups focused on managing Panic Disorder near you.