Panic Attacks (1) - Disordered Roundtable

A panic attack is a very scary, very uncomfortable experience in which the natural fight or flight response is triggered even when there is no danger. A panic attack includes a wide range of extremely scary physical symptoms including racing heart, visual changes, jelly legs, tummy issues, hot/cold rushes, sweating, trembling, feeling short of breath, feelings of dizziness, feelings of unreality, and a number of other very disturbing physical sensations. Panic attacks also come with a flood of scary and catastrophic thoughts, and a very strong sense of doom, danger, or impending disaster. Someone experiencing a panic attack will often assume they are dying, losing touch with realitiy, about to have a psychotic break, or about to completely lose control of themselves (leading to some imagined disastrous outcome).

Panic attacks are scary, highly impactful events that many adults in the western world will experience at least once in a lifetime. Many people experience panic attacks more than once, or even on a regular basis. Some people that experience panic attacks develop an intense fear of them and get tricked into changing their lives and avoiding any places, people, tasks, foods, drinks, or contexts that they fear might trigger their next panic attack. They can spend all their time scanning for panic symptoms, worried about possible panic attacks, and putting forth a great effort to guarantee that they will not panic again.

When this gets to extreme levels, it can be diagnosed as panic disorder. When panic disorder includes severe lifestyle restrictions, agoraphobia may develop as a result.

While panic attacks are certainly scary, disturbing, and disruptive, they are not dangerous. Even so, many western adults will struggle with panic disorder at some point in their lives.

Does this sound familiar to you? Are you struggling with recurring panic attacks that you fear and cannot control, no matter how hard you try? If so, you are not alone and this discussion is for you.

In the interest of privacy and to facilitiate interaction, Disordered Roundtables are live discussions that are not recorded and not available for replay. The value is in the interaction, not just in listening or watching passively.

If you can't make this session, we will be holding others in the future, being mindful of our friends in other timezones across the world.

While we can make every effort to provide accurate, useful, empirically supported psychoeducational content to attendees in events like these, its very important to have proper expectations to get the most from the event and to ensure that everyone is treated in a safe and ethical fashion. This is not therapy, nor is it intended as a replacement for therapy. Attending this event does not create a client/therapist relationship between us. We encourage everyone to follow the instructions of qualified in-person helpers that know your specific situation and your background. When in doubt, always consult with your medical and/or mental health care providers.

LIVE EVENT: January 12, 2025 - 12 PM Eastern (5 PM UK)

This is a small group one hour Zoom-based conversation focused on the topic of panic attacks. The discussion is facilitated by the hosts of Disordered - Josh Fletcher and Drew Linsalata - and is intended as a truly interactive experience. Attendees are encouraged to bring questions and concerns, real experiences, and even small victories to share with the group.

Attendance is limited to 20 people to encourage participation. This is not intended as a lecture, this is a conversation. Your camera and mic should be turned on and you should be able and willing to actively participate.

Need help signing up for this roundtable event? Drop us a line and we'll do our best to help you get a seat for this small group conversation.