Anxiety is a natural response to danger, but sometimes it becomes excessive and constant. Your mind may keep asking 'what if?', your body may stay on high alert, and settling down can feel almost impossible.
A panic attack is a sudden wave of intense fear that can come with a pounding heart, shortness of breath, shaking or a sense of losing control. After a first attack, many people fear the next one and start avoiding places like the subway or shops. Anxiety and panic are among the most common reasons people see a therapist, and they often respond well to treatment.
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Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most common approaches for anxiety. You learn to recognize the cycle of thoughts, bodily sensations and avoidance, and to replace catastrophic thoughts with more realistic ones.
For panic, your therapist often helps you understand bodily sensations better and gradually, with a plan, face situations you avoid. This kind of exposure is gentle and step by step.
Breathing exercises, relaxation and acceptance-based approaches can also help. If symptoms are severe, a psychiatrist can assess whether medication may be useful.
Sessions are online and in Persian, offering a safe space to voice your worries. At the start, your therapist explores with you where and how anxiety shows up.
You usually have short exercises between sessions. Many people often feel more in control within a few weeks to a few months, though the pace differs for everyone.
Examples are fictional and illustrative.
Nima had a panic attack on the Toronto subway and afterwards only took buses and taxis. In therapy he learned that his bodily sensations were not dangerous. With a step-by-step plan, he tried one stop first and then longer rides. Now he takes the subway to work again.
Leila spent hours at night imagining bad things happening to her parents in Iran. Her therapist helped her tell useful concern apart from rumination. She set a specific time for her worries. Gradually her sleep improved.
Before every presentation Reza's hands shook and his voice tightened. With his therapist he examined thoughts like 'everyone will see I am incompetent'. He practiced in smaller situations first. His anxiety did not vanish completely, but it no longer held him back.
These therapists list this on their profile. All sessions are online and in Persian.
Panic attacks are very unpleasant, but they usually do not cause physical harm in themselves. Still, if symptoms are new or include chest pain, it is best to have a doctor check for a physical cause.
Avoidance brings short-term relief but often makes anxiety stronger over time. Your therapist helps you face things gradually, at a pace you can manage.
Some anxiety is a normal part of life. The aim of therapy is usually that anxiety no longer limits your life and that you have better tools to handle it.
If you feel in danger or are thinking about harming yourself, contact local emergency services or a crisis line in your country right now. A therapy session is not a substitute for urgent help.
This page is general information and does not replace a professional assessment. If you are in immediate danger or thinking about harming yourself, contact your local emergency services. Urgent help
