Panic Attacks in NYC: Symptoms, Triggers & Therapy Help
Crowded NYC subways and overstimulation can trigger anxiety and panic attacks in New York City.
Between the crowded subway cars, noisy streets, and seemingly never-ending demands of work, life in New York City can be tough. The city that never sleeps is a bustling melting pot of life, and while it is arguably one of the best places in the world, it is also not unusual for stress levels to run high. However, for some New Yorkers, that stress can sometimes tip into something more intense: a panic attack.
Imagine being stuck underground on a packed train or in a high-pressure meeting when your heart starts racing, your chest tightens, and you feel like you’re unable to breathe. That fear and worry that you might lose control in front of everyone can be terrifying, but it does not need to control you, and therapy for panic attacks in New York City is your first step toward healing.
What do panic attacks feel like?
Nearly one in five adults in New York City has been diagnosed with anxiety, and while that can increase the likelihood of experiencing a panic attack, they can happen to anyone. Experiencing panic attacks in NYC is much more than just ordinary stress or anxiety; it is an intense surge of fear that comes on suddenly, often without any warning.
During a panic attack, people may experience all or some of the following symptoms:
A pounding or racing heartbeat
A shortness of breath or a feeling of choking
Dizziness, shaking, and sweating
Chest pain or tightness
Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
A sense of losing control or fear that something terrible is about to happen
These symptoms can often be so overwhelming that many rush to the emergency room, convinced something is physically wrong. While panic attacks in NYC are not life-threatening, they are a very real and frightening experience.
What are some of the common triggers for panic attacks in NYC?
When it comes to getting panic attack help in NYC, understanding the triggers is the first step. The hustle and bustle of the city brings a set of unique challenges, with some of the most common including:
Overstimulation
From crowded subways to loud sirens and the constant bright lights in public spaces, it can be very easy for your senses to be overwhelmed.
High-pressure workplaces
NYC’s competitive job market often means long hours, big responsibilities, and constant deadlines, which can place a lot of pressure on you.
Academic stress
Of course, it’s not just workers. College students and high schoolers alike can face intense pressure from exams, presentations, or performance expectations.
Constantly being busy
The “always on” culture of New York can make it hard to rest and recharge, which leaves the body stuck in a constant fight-or-flight mode.
While these factors are not necessarily enough to cause a panic attack on their own, they do set the stage for them, especially for those people already vulnerable to anxiety.
How therapy for panic attacks in New York City can help
Thankfully, having therapy for panic attacks in New York City can help you to regain confidence in your daily life and break that cycle of fear. CBT for panic attacks in NYC is very effective at helping you identify the anxious thought patterns that fuel panic and teaching you how to respond to them in a more balanced way.
While you might be naturally drawn to avoiding those places where you have experienced panic attacks before, this can actually do more harm by making your anxiety worse. Therapy for panic attacks in New York City will offer gradual, supported exposure to these settings to help reduce fear and rebuild your confidence. It can also teach you tools such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and progressive muscle relaxation to help you calm your body’s alarm system during the early signs of panic.
Get panic attack help in NYC today
If you’ve been struggling with panic attacks in NYC, know that you don’t have to live in fear of the next one. Taking steps today to get help and treatment can help you regain control and confidence. At Aspire Psychotherapy, we provide compassionate, effective therapy for panic attacks in New York City, including CBT for panic attacks and exposure-based approaches proven to reduce anxiety. Whether you’ve just experienced your first panic attack or have been coping with panic disorder for years, our therapists are here to support you. Your first step is a New Client Intake with Dr. Anya Scolaro, Psy.D. — a licensed clinical psychologist who will work with you to understand your experiences and match you with the best treatment plan. Begin your intake today and start reclaiming peace in the city that never sleeps.