Panic Attacks Hypnotherapy Brisbane

1. What is a panic attack?
A panic attack is a sudden, intense surge of fear or discomfort that triggers strong physical and emotional symptoms, often peaking within minutes and feeling overwhelming.

2. What are common symptoms of a panic attack?
Symptoms include a racing or pounding heart, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, sweating, trembling, nausea, chills, hot flashes, numbness, and a sense of impending doom or losing control.

3. What causes panic attacks?
Panic attacks can be triggered by high stress, phobias, traumatic experiences, chronic anxiety, substance use, or sometimes they occur seemingly out of nowhere without a clear trigger.

4. Are panic attacks dangerous?
No. Panic attacks feel scary but are not physically harmful. However, they can severely impact quality of life if left unmanaged and may contribute to avoiding certain situations.

5. How long do panic attacks usually last?
Most panic attacks peak within 10 minutes and typically resolve within 20–30 minutes, although the after-effects (like fatigue) can linger longer.

6. Can hypnotherapy help with panic attacks?
Yes. Hypnotherapy can help by calming the nervous system, healing underlying emotional triggers, teaching relaxation techniques, and reinforcing a sense of safety and control in the mind and body.

7. How can I calm myself during a panic attack?
Focus on slow, deep breathing, remind yourself that it will pass, ground yourself by noticing things around you (5-4-3-2-1 technique), relax your muscles, and use calming affirmations like "I am safe."

8. What’s the difference between a panic attack and an anxiety attack?
An anxiety attack builds gradually in response to a stressor, while a panic attack is sudden and intense, often without warning, and includes stronger physical symptoms.

9. Can lifestyle changes help reduce panic attacks?
Yes. Regular exercise, better sleep, reducing caffeine and alcohol, practicing mindfulness, managing stress, and seeking emotional support can all help prevent or reduce the frequency of panic attacks.

10. When should someone seek professional help for panic attacks?
Seek help if panic attacks are frequent, impact your daily life, lead to avoidance behaviors, or cause ongoing fear of having another attack (which could develop into panic disorder).