Panic attacks are more so much more than intense anxiety. They are immensely physical, overwhelming events that can completely disrupt your life. At Skycloud Mental Health, we know how urgent it can feel to address these severe anxiety events.

We are accepting new patients, accept many forms of insurance, and are available without a referral. You can complete our Schedule Now form above and get connected to a mental health specialist right away, or reach out to us at 503-694-3381 or fill out our online form and one of our team members will call you to get started.

What Are Panic Attacks?

Panic attacks are best described as episodes of intense anxiety that lead to physical and emotions symptoms that feel as though something is terribly wrong. Some people describe them as mimicking heart attacks, as they lead to symptoms such as:

• Rapid Heartbeat
• Chest Pain
• Shortness of Breath
• Lightheadedness, and More

Individuals also experience cognitive symptoms (thoughts and emotions) that increase the severity of the episode, such as:

• Feeling Like You Are Dying
• Feelings of Doom or Dread
• Feeling like You’re Losing Control

These are only a small sample of the symptoms. Additional symptoms may occur, and those with chronic panic attacks and panic disorder may also develop health anxiety, agoraphobia, hypersensitivity to physical sensations, trouble concentrating, and more.

Episodes last about 10 minutes or so until they peak and then start to fade away.

Why Consider a Psychiatrist for Panic Attacks?

Panic attacks are often first triggered by periods of stress. But once they occur, they can become self-sustaining. Fearing a panic attack becomes a trigger for panic attack. Many people also “self monitor” – which means they are extra aware of how their body feels – which causes anxiety, anxiety symptoms, and then another attack. It’s a vicious cycle.

Panic attacks are also severe enough to be disruptive. While some forms of anxiety can be manageable (for example, you can still be in a work meeting while you feel anxious), panic attacks are typically so overwhelming that it’s hard to do anything else.

Because they’re cyclical, and because they’re so severe, many people find that psychiatric care is the best approach to assist with panic attacks. It can provide you with some much needed relief, so that you can focus on learning to cope and be better equipped to stop and prevent future attacks.

Why Contact Skycloud Mental Health?

At Skycloud Mental Health, we care. We care about making sure that you’re getting the support you need. We care about accessibility – about ensuring everyone can feel welcome and access us no matter their location. We care about making sure that you’re recovering, and we want to help you address your needs as thoroughly as possible.

Our team is made up of psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), which is a title that means that we can provide many of the same services as psychiatrists, but our background also trains us in better patient care. 

If you’re ready to get started, please reach out to Skycloud Mental Health today. We are licensed in 6 states and growing, and are happy to help you address your panic attacks right away.