Panic Attack Care in Palos Park, IL
One moment you’re fine, and the next your heart is pounding, your chest feels tight, and a wave of fear tells you something is seriously wrong, even when nothing actually is. Panic attacks are sudden, intense episodes of fear paired with real physical symptoms, and they can be frightening enough that many people end up in an emergency room before ever receiving a psychiatric explanation. At Finding Inner Peace, we help you understand what’s actually happening in your body and mind, then build a plan to reduce how often panic attacks occur and how much power they hold over your life.
UNDERSTANDING PANIC ATTACKS
A very real physical event with a psychiatric root.
Panic attacks are not “just anxiety” or an overreaction. During an attack, your body’s stress response activates as though you were in genuine danger, flooding your system with adrenaline and triggering symptoms that can feel indistinguishable from a heart attack or a medical emergency. That’s precisely why so many people seek urgent medical care the first time it happens, only to be told their heart and lungs are fine.
For some people, panic attacks happen once or twice in response to a stressful period and fade on their own. For others, they become recurrent and unpredictable, leading to a pattern known as panic disorder, where the fear of having another attack starts shaping daily decisions, like avoiding certain places, driving, or being far from home.
The National Institute of Mental Health reports that panic disorder affects an estimated 2.7% of U.S. adults in a given year, with impairment ranging from mild to serious depending on the individual. At Finding Inner Peace, we take that impairment seriously, because panic attacks that go unaddressed tend to expand their reach into more and more parts of daily life.
The encouraging news is that panic attacks respond well to treatment. With an accurate evaluation and the right combination of support, most people see a real reduction in both frequency and intensity, along with less anticipatory fear between episodes.
RECOGNIZING THE SIGNS
A panic attack often includes...
Physical Symptoms
- Racing or pounding heartbeat
- Chest tightness or pain
- Shortness of breath or a smothering sensation
- Trembling, sweating, or chills
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Nausea or stomach discomfort
Emotional and Cognitive Symptoms
- A sudden, overwhelming sense of dread or doom
- Fear of losing control or “going crazy”
- Fear of dying, even without a clear cause
- A feeling of detachment from yourself or your surroundings
- Intense urge to escape the situation you’re in
- Persistent worry about when the next attack might happen
TYPES WE TREAT
Panic can show up in different patterns.
Isolated Panic Attacks
One or a few unexpected episodes, often tied to a period of significant stress, without an ongoing pattern of recurrence.
Panic Disorder
Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks accompanied by persistent worry about future attacks or significant changes in behavior to avoid them.
Panic Attacks with Agoraphobia
Fear and avoidance of places or situations where escape might be difficult if a panic attack occurred, often narrowing a person’s world over time.
Situationally Triggered Panic
Panic attacks consistently linked to specific triggers, such as driving, crowded spaces, or public speaking.
Panic Attacks with Underlying Anxiety or Depression
Panic symptoms frequently occur alongside generalized anxiety or depressive symptoms. We assess for the complete picture rather than treating panic in isolation.
HOW WE HELP
A plan to reduce panic, not just manage it.
- Thorough Evaluation
A detailed psychiatric evaluation that reviews your symptom history, triggers, and how panic attacks are affecting your daily life and decision-making.
- Accurate Diagnosis
Panic symptoms can overlap with medical conditions and other anxiety disorders, so we take the time to confirm what’s actually driving your episodes. Learn more about our psychiatric diagnosis process in Palos Park, IL.
- Targeted Medication Management
When medication is appropriate, we select and monitor it carefully to reduce both the frequency and intensity of panic attacks.
- Ongoing, Responsive Care
Regular follow-up appointments to track your progress and adjust your treatment as your symptoms and triggers change over time.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Finding Inner Peace accepts most major insurance plans, including BCBS, Cigna, United Healthcare, Aetna, Optum, Oscar, Oxford, and Illinois Medicaid. Self-pay options are also available, and our team can help verify your coverage beforehand.
If you haven’t already, it’s important to rule out medical causes with a primary care provider or emergency evaluation, especially for a first episode. Once medical causes have been ruled out, a psychiatric evaluation can help determine whether what you experienced was a panic attack and whether a broader pattern is developing.
Your first visit with Shakita Johnson, PMHNP-BC, is a comprehensive evaluation that typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes. She’ll walk through your symptom history, triggers, and how panic has been affecting your daily routine, then outline a personalized plan before you leave.
For some patients, yes. Depending on symptom severity and personal preference, treatment may include therapy referrals and behavioral strategies alongside or instead of medication. We discuss the full range of options during your evaluation.
Yes. Virtual visits at Finding Inner Peace follow the same thorough process as in-person appointments, which many patients find more comfortable when discussing a condition that can already feel vulnerable to talk about.
Many patients notice a reduction in panic attack frequency within the first several weeks of starting the right treatment, though timelines vary by individual and severity. Shakita monitors your progress closely and adjusts your plan as needed to keep you moving toward fewer, less intense episodes.
TAKE THE FIRST STEP
You don't have to keep bracing for the next one.
In-person appointments available at our Palos Park office, with virtual options for added flexibility. Most major insurance plans accepted, including Illinois Medicaid.