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Panic
attacks can be extremely frightening and very debilitating.
These attacks are no joking matter and it is probably true
to say that by the time they are age 50, around 90 per cent
of the population will have suffered from one, in some form
or other.
Surprisingly,
in many instances, they appear to begin when feeling fairly
relaxed. A huge number of people find they start in shops
or supermarkets, and they can often be triggered within
five years of a bereavement.
Many
sufferers end up in the cardiac unit of their local hospital,
only to be sent home, after being told very little, and
referred back to their GP.
The
attack usually starts with little or no warning. The subject
may experience all or just the first part of the attack.
Usually, they start when the heart beats alarmingly fast,
like a palpitation perhaps. Frequently, the breathing increases
as if there is not enough air. This can be followed by a
cramped feeling across the chest or the lower part of the
diaphragm. Sometimes this is accompanied by hot or cold
flushes and tingling in various parts of the body. This
is then followed by a general feeling that the subject may
become unconscious. Becoming immobilised or rooted to the
spot and unable to fight it is because it comes from within.
A formless, timeless fear, once described as "free
floating anxiety". Anyone who suffers from phobic reactions
will recognise the above symptoms.
The
feelings and emotions triggered during a panic attack are
in fact, natural responses to fear. The problem is, they
can be triggered by thought alone and worse still, the thought
does not have to be conscious.
Panic
attacks do not usually respond well to single session solution
focused hypnotherapy. A longer term approach is normally
required although some clients find a 75% improvement during
between 3 to 5 sessions.
Usually
a more analytical approach is indicated and this would be
discussed at an initial consultation. This does not always
mean the use of age regression and can sometimes be a process
of relieving buried fears and conflicts. Every person is
an individual and a sympathetic understanding approach is
required.
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