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What are Panic Attacks?

A panic attack is defined as the emergence of four or more physiological sensations (e.g., heart race, dizziness, light-headedness, stomach distress, trembling, feelings of derealization) peaking in intensity within 10 minutes.  More information on panic attacks here.

What is Panic Disorder?

Panic attacks are common in all anxiety disorders and in the general public (approximately one-third of the population has had a panic attack in the past year). However, those who suffer from panic disorder, the occurrence of even a single panic attack may be so distressing that they develop an intense and persistent fear of having another one. They fear a catastrophic outcome will occur (i.e. I'm going to lose control of myself, I'm going to die, I'm going to go crazy and/or I'm going to embarrass myself).

Often, people with Panic Disorder tend to avoid situations that might elicit a panic attack (called Agoraphobia). Examples of avoided situations: locations (airplanes, traffic, large open spaces); foods (caffeine, sugar, alcohol); emotions (excitement, anger, anxiety); and activities (exercise, sex).

Postpartum Anxiety and Depression can emerge after childbirth, bringing unexpected challenges for new parents. Postpartum Anxiety often shows up as intense worry, restlessness, or physical tension—making it hard to relax or feel at ease. Postpartum Depression, on the other hand, can weigh heavily with sadness, exhaustion, or disconnection, even from your baby. Both can disrupt this tender time, but you’re not alone—we’re here to offer understanding and support tailored to help you through.

PTSD is an anxiety disorder that can develop following a traumatic event (i.e., exposure to a threat to the physical safety of self or others–either experiencing the threat directly or witnessing the threat to another). The traumatic event is experienced with a sense of intense fear, horror, or helplessness. In children, the reaction involves disorganized or agitated behavior. Symptoms of PTSD include:

• Re-experiencing the trauma (i.e., flashbacks, nightmares, recurrent intrusive thoughts)

• Hyperarousal (i.e., feeling jumpy or easily startled, difficulty sleeping and restlessness, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and hyper vigilance or feeling on guard all the time)

• Avoidance (i.e., avoiding places, people, events, or objects that remind a person of his or her trauma, emotional numbness, loss of interest in previously-enjoyed activities, difficulty remembering important aspects of the trauma, feeling cut-off from people)

Many individuals experience a few of the symptoms described above following a trauma. However, a person develops PTSD when these symptoms last more than one month and become life-interfering. In some cases, it can be months or years following a trauma before symptoms emerge.

PTSD symptoms can arise in people of all ages who have experienced a traumatic event; however, symptoms may appear differently in children compared to adults. Younger children may develop the following symptoms: repetitively acting out the event during play, separation anxiety, decrease in speech, bedwetting, and/or stomachaches and headaches. Symptoms in teenagers are more likely to resemble those of adults but may also include disruptive and destructive behaviors. In addition to the symptoms described above, those with PTSD often have emotional reactions such as anger, guilt and shame as well as disruption in sleep, diet, and exercise habits.

Children, teens, and adults with separation anxiety typically fear being away from loved ones and/or home. Common worries of separation include harm to themselves or loved ones as well as fears of having uncomfortable sensations associated with anxiety (e.g., stomach distress) or illness while away. While the worry of separating can occur during daytime activities, anxiety tends to escalate around nighttime and during extended trips. Some children will exhibit oppositional behaviors (e.g., meltdown, tantrums, aggression) in an effort to avoid leaving parents/home. Separation anxiety can interfere with social relationships given reluctance to enter new social situations that require temporary separation from loved ones.

Social anxiety is a common mental health condition characterized by an intense fear of social situations and interactions. Individuals with social anxiety have an extreme fear of being negatively evaluated by others. They may constantly worry about making mistakes, appearing foolish, or being scrutinized by others. This fear can be present in various social settings, such as public speaking, meeting new people, parties, job interviews, or even everyday conversations.

Social anxiety can significantly impact a person's daily life and functioning. It may lead to avoidance of social situations or enduring them with great discomfort. This avoidance can interfere with forming and maintaining relationships, participating in social or professional activities, pursuing educational or career opportunities, and overall well-being.

A specific phobia refers to the excessive and persistent fear of specific objects or situations that is understood as out of proportion to any actual danger. The fear causes life-interfering distress and/or impairment. Common types include:

• Animals (e.g., dogs, cats, spiders, insects, rats, birds, and snakes)

• Natural Environment and Weather (e.g., heights, storms, natural disasters, and water)

• Blood-Injection-Injury Type (e.g., seeing blood, receiving a blood test or injection, watching medical procedures)

• Situational Type (e.g., driving, flying, elevators, and enclosed places)

• Other Type (e.g., choking or vomiting, loud noises, or fears of costumed characters)

Almost every aspect of our lives can create stress, and at times it can feel unmanageable. Fortunately, there are proven, effective therapeutic methods people can learn to better manage and let go of stress in their lives. This true regardless of the source of your stress. Contact us to learn more about how the counselors at Chicago Counseling Center can assist you in understanding how stress impacts your life!

Virtual reality therapy (VRT is a form of therapy that uses technology (i.e. a virtual reality headset) to immerse the client in a computer-generated environment. The virtual environment is designed to mimic real-life situations or scenarios that trigger the person's symptoms or fears. Through the use of specialized software, the therapist can control and manipulate the virtual environment to gradually expose the individual to their fears or triggers in a controlled and safe manner.

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a complex and chronic mental health condition characterized by an individual's inability to control their use of a substance (like alcohol, opioids, cannabis, stimulants, etc.) despite experiencing significant harmful consequences. It's not simply a matter of willpower; repeated substance use can lead to enduring changes in brain function that affect judgment, decision-making, learning, memory, and behavioral control, contributing to intense cravings and a compulsive drive to use the substance.

SUDs are diagnosed based on a pattern of symptoms indicating impaired control over substance use, social impairment, risky use, and pharmacological criteria (tolerance and withdrawal). The severity of an SUD can range from mild to severe, depending on the number of symptoms present, highlighting a spectrum of challenges from problematic use to a full-blown addiction that significantly disrupts daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.