by Linda Montalbano, LPMHC

Have you ever experienced a panic attack? Heart pounding…thoughts racing…stomach rolling…palms sweating…ears ringing…Maybe you have experienced all these symptoms, or for you, symptoms look differently. No matter the symptoms, it can be terrifying. Some people feel as though they may be having a heart attack. Others describe panic attacks as a sense of dread. It is frustrating; it is scary.

However, panic attacks can be managed successfully! It is helpful to understand what triggers panic attacks. Common causes of anxiety include:
​
Work/school pressures
Stories in the news
Family issues: a sick loved one, a death
Relationship issues
Peer pressures
Social media
Changes/life transitions
The pandemic
Trauma
Learned behaviors: mimicking others who experience panic attacks.
Once we recognize what could be causing or triggering the panic attacks, it is easier to understand why they occur. Working on or through the triggers can help reduce the onset and severity of panic attacks. But there are some useful tips to reduce the symptoms of panic attacks. 

by Denise Wright, Ph.D, BCBA, LBA

​When we decide we want to change our behavior, we have turn our dream into an actual goal. The goal outlines the outcome in a specific measurable, achievable and relevant time-based format.
Specific- You must describe exactly what it is that you intend to do.
Measurable- The goal must include something that can be counted or quantified such as duration or frequency.
Achievable- The goal should be based on something you can do; it must be something that does not require vast change that would be insurmountable.
Relevant- The goal must be related to the dream- it must be something important and meaningful that will help you to accomplish the goal.
Time based- The goal must have a time frame by which the goal should be met to measure efficacy and hold one accountable.