Panic attack therapy for sudden, intense fear.

Here to Help BC describes panic disorder as repeated, unexpected attacks of intense fear, with physical symptoms such as a pounding heart and dizziness. Panic attacks usually peak within a few seconds or a few minutes, and some symptoms take longer to fade. The same fact sheet reports that about 4% of Canadians will experience panic disorder in their lifetime.

In CBT your counsellor helps you notice the thoughts and situations that set an attack off, then practise different responses between sessions. Our CBT guide explains how a session runs. Both counsellors also list other approaches in their profiles: Alexandra Cope names mindfulness, and Rita Fung names somatic experiencing. Some people add a body-based approach when physical symptoms are the main part of the attack.

Chest pain, fainting, or shortness of breath that does not settle needs medical assessment. HealthLink BC says to call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number in an emergency, and to call 8-1-1 for health advice that is not an emergency. Here to Help BC lists the BC crisis line, 310-6789, open 24 hours a day.