Why Am I Getting Panic Attacks When My Recovery Is Going Well?

Video Transcript

Thanks to your great information and therapist, my recovery is going well. But now, I’m getting panic attacks. Why?

Thank you for your kind comments. We’re glad you are finding our information helpful!

Panic attacks always have a cause. There are two main causes of panic attacks:

• Voluntary panic attacks triggered by anxious behavior, such as fear, which is the most common cause of panic attacks.
• Involuntary panic attacks triggered by an involuntary action of the body, such by hyperstimulation (chronic stress), which is the most common cause of panic attacks if not triggered by anxious behavior.

If you aren’t triggering your panic attacks by anxious behavior, such as fear, the only other cause is that they are involuntary.

For instance, hyperstimulation can adversely affect homeostasis (how the body manages itself), causing the body to behave erratically. This erratic behavior can cause involuntary spikes or drops in stress hormones, other hormones, blood sugar, neurotransmitter levels, and many other chemical processes in the body, which can trigger involuntary panic attacks.

Without knowing more about your specific situation, I (Jim Folk) can’t be more specific about the cause of your panic attacks.

However, if you are getting hyperstimulation-caused involuntary panic attacks, continuing your recovery work should cause their cessation as your body continues to recover and become more stable. Passively-accepting hyperstimulation-caused involuntary panic attacks and continuing your recovery efforts should eliminate them in time.

If your panic attacks are triggered by anxious behavior, such as fears, addressing Level Two recovery should bring your panic attacks to an end as you address your core fears and anxious behavior. Working with an experienced anxiety disorder therapist is the most effective way to address Level Two recovery.

If none of those are factors, there are other less obvious causes of involuntary surges of stress hormones, often interpreted as panic attacks, such as:

• Medical condition
• Side effects of medication
• Adverse effects of recreational drugs
• Sleep deprivation and fatigue
• Ingesting stimulants
• Hyper or hypoventilation
• Low blood sugar
• Dehydration
• Nutritional deficiency
• Hormone changes
• Pain

To name a few.

Any dramatic involuntary shift in the body (such as hormones, neurotransmitters, blood sugar, respiration, etc.) can trigger spikes in stress hormones. Talk with your doctor if you think there might be a medical or medication reason for your involuntary panicky feelings.

You can eliminate the other causes by:

• Avoiding recreational drugs
• Getting good rest and sleep
• Avoiding stimulants
• Ensuring you are well hydrated
• Ensuring you are not holding your breath or over-breathing
• Eating a healthy diet of whole natural foods, and
• Eating regularly to avoid sudden drops in blood sugar, as a blood sugar plunge can trigger involuntary spikes in stress hormones.

Again, without knowing more, I can’t be more specific. But connecting with one of our recommended therapists can help you identify and address the specific cause of your panic attacks while in recovery.