Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder

Understanding sudden anxiety surges and learning how to regain control

Panic attacks are sudden surges of intense fear or discomfort that peak quickly and can feel frightening or overwhelming. They can happen unexpectedly or in situations where a person feels trapped, judged, unsafe, or unable to escape.

Many people worry that panic attacks mean they are “going crazy” or having a heart attack. In reality, they are strong stress responses of the nervous system — and they are treatable with the right strategies and support.

At SGI Psychology in Preston (Northern Suburbs of Melbourne), our psychologists provide evidence-based therapy to help people understand panic attacks, reduce their frequency and intensity, and feel confident managing anxiety again.

What does a panic attack feel like?

A panic attack may include some of the following:

  • racing or pounding heart

  • chest tightness or discomfort

  • feeling short of breath or unable to get enough air

  • dizziness or light-headedness

  • shaking or trembling

  • sweating or chills

  • tingling sensations

  • nausea or stomach discomfort

  • feeling detached or unreal

  • fear of losing control, fainting, going crazy, or dying

Although panic attacks feel physically alarming, they are not dangerous. They are temporary and pass, even when they feel intense.

Panic disorder

Some people begin to fear the next panic attack or start avoiding places such as:

  • supermarkets

  • public transport

  • busy indoor spaces

  • driving

  • queues or crowds

  • places where escape feels difficult

When worry about panic becomes ongoing and avoidance increases, this may develop into panic disorder.

What causes panic attacks?

Panic attacks can occur for many reasons, including:

  • prolonged stress or burnout

  • anxiety disorders

  • health worries

  • traumatic or overwhelming experiences

  • major life changes

  • caffeine or stimulant use

  • perfectionism or high self-pressure

Sometimes panic seems to appear “out of the blue”. Therapy can help identify triggers and patterns so they feel more predictable and manageable.

How therapy helps with panic attacks

Psychological treatment can help you:

  • understand what panic attacks are (and are not)

  • reduce fear of physical sensations

  • learn breathing and grounding strategies

  • calm the nervous system

  • gradually face avoided situations safely

  • reduce anxiety about future panic

  • regain confidence in daily life

Most people experience significant improvement with therapy.

Evidence-based therapies we use

Your psychologist may draw from:

  • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for panic

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

  • Mindfulness-based strategies

  • Interoceptive exposure (gentle, controlled practice)

  • Relaxation and nervous-system regulation skills

  • Psychoeducation about anxiety and the fight-or-flight response

Therapy is collaborative and paced carefully, with full respect for your comfort level.

When to seek urgent medical care

If you experience new chest pain, fainting, or symptoms that feel different to your usual panic attacks, seek immediate medical attention or call 000 in Australia.

If you experience thoughts of harming yourself, please contact:

  • Lifeline 13 11 14

  • Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467

  • your nearest hospital emergency department

You do not have to cope with this alone.

Our location

SGI Psychology is located in Preston, in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, offering:

  • in-person psychology appointments

  • secure Telehealth sessions Australia-wide

Book an appointment

If panic attacks or anxiety are affecting your life, you can:

We are here to support you.

Book a Session