Stress, anxiety and panic are often interlinked and the words often used to describe the same feeling, however, there are a few fundamental differences.

Stress is a process whereby we release the hormones adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol. These hormones can either help you to focus and deal with life’s challenges or they can run amok and result in you becoming overwhelmed and feeling as though you are unable to cope. Stress usually occurs as a result of a known source, for example: Your children misbehaving, being hauled into see your boss, being stopped by the police or speaking in front of a large group. The stress response itself, is usually short lived and occurs when in or thinking about a particular event or situation.

While anxiety can be triggered by stress, anxiety is a feeling that lingers long after the initial threat or situation has passed.

Panic. The physical symptoms of panic come on abruptly and reach a peak within about 10 minutes. You might get palpitations, a pounding heart, profuse sweating, trembling or shaking. Panic usually subsides in less than an hour. Panic attacks can happen anywhere and at any time, and don’t always occur as a result of a known source.

And so, is stress, anxiety and panic treated in the same way?

As stress is usually short-lived, simple breathing exercises can reduce symptoms within minutes. Deep abdominal breathing is one way to nip stress in the bud, a free audio download of this breath can be found at https://gailmarrahypnotherapy.com

Anxiety is often treated with a prescription. Antidepressants for anxiety are SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) such as Prozac which are designed to inhibit the uptake of serotonin in the brain. Alternative therapies might include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) clinical hypnotherapy or a combination of therapy and counselling.

Panic attacks are not always a chronic condition, this being the case, psychological therapies and controlled breathing exercise often suffice. If you have panic attacks regularly you may have been diagnosed with panic disorder. The treatment for panic disorder may include most, if not all of the above.

If you believe you are suffering with panic disorder or are overwhelmed with stress, early intervention is key.

Seeking help is a sign of strength – not weakness.

Get in touch today. https://gailmarrahypnotherapy.com/contact/