"It sneaks up on me."
"I have no idea how to stop it."
"It is terrifying... I struggle to breathe and all I can hear is my heartbeat."
"There is nothing worse than having a panic attack in public!"
These quotes are from a range of student experiences shared with me during counselling sessions.
5% of Australians will experience a panic attack in their lifetime. However, many of us will feel ill-equipped in how to navigate such a sudden episode of panic (Beyond Blue).
Our natural reaction to feelings of heightened panic is so often frustration towards ourself. We are ashamed that our 'weakness' is on full display. How embarrassing to be an adult experiencing such 'juvenile' anxieties and terror. "I'm so pathetic".
Using the work of Dave Carbonell (Phd), I created a website that aims to assist those who are all too familiar with the symptoms of panic. The more prepared you are for panic attacks, the less terrifying they become.
I also encourage you to speak with a GP, Headspace, Beyond Blue or a counsellor if you are experiencing panic attacks. Please don't suffer in silence, support is available.
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