Dr. Angela Neal-Barnett is a national award-winning psychologist, professor, and leading expert on anxiety disorders among African Americans. The first Black woman to be tenured and promoted to the rank of professor in the Kent State University Department of Psychological Sciences, she directs the Program for Research on Anxiety Disorders among African Americans.
Dr. Barnett’s work focuses on helping Black women and girls overcome anxiety and fear. She is the architect and developer of the ‘Build You Own Theme Song’ app and the author of the best-selling book Soothe Your Nerves: The Black Woman’s Guide to Understanding and Overcoming Anxiety, Panic and Fear.
An international workshop presenter and speaker, her work has been featured on BET and in in Essence, Ebony, and the New York Times. For more information, follow her on twitter @sootheurnerves.com or log onto her website.
A few facts about African-Americans and anxiety:
- Anxiety is the unrealistic expectation that something bad is going to happen in the future. This belief leads people to be in a state of highest alert most of the time.
- Panic attacks are most common form of anxiety. Three (3) types of panic attacks for Blacks: Unexpected, expected and witch-riding/night time panic attacks.
- People with panic attacks have some form of agoraphobia. Agoraphobia is NOT fear of open spaces, it IS the fear of having a panic attack and not being able to get out or get help
- Panic attacks are easily treated. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is best form of treatment. Once the physical symptoms pass, it is our mind that keeps us anxious. CBT allows people to understand the cause and effect relationships between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Questions:
I had an anxiety attack on Christmas due to shortness of breath, which was due to bronchitis. It has downgraded to occasional panic attacks. I want to ask there is a natural herb or exercise that will relax? I take diabetic and high blood pressure medicines and I don”t want another prescription drug.
The best treatment for panic attacks is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) , a non-medication treatment. It is very, ver y effective. Your physician can refer you to a good CBT therapist in your area.
Is a panic attack the same thing as anxiety attacks?
Yes, Black folks often refer to panic attacks as anxiety attacks.
Is it normal to have panic attacks that last an hour or more?
The length of panic attacks varies. On average, a panic attack reaches its peak ( when it is the absolute worse) in 10 minutes. On average, it can take a person at least 30 minutes to “come down from a panic attack.
Do panic attacks cause coughing?
Different people have different reactions to having a panic attack. Symptoms of panic attacks include having trouble breathing and feeling as if one is choking. Both these symptoms may cause someone to start coughing.
Can you ever grow out of anxiety attacks?
The best way to address panic attacks is through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ( CBT) or CBT and medication. Untreated,people can learn to live with panic but treatment helps them fully reclaim their lives.
What are some general thoughts about separation anxiety?
Separation anxiety can trigger panic attacks An individual may experience the symptoms at the thought of being separated or when actually separated from the person who is their safe or attachment figure. They may refuse to go places without that person Separation anxiety is very treatable.
Panic attacks are very scary. Are they hereditary? I am continually learning my triggers through meditation. My son in the army was just diagnosed.
Panic attacks can be hereditary. They are also very treatable.
My skin gets really hot and the I all of a sudden break out in hives atwork. Is this a panic attack?
Difficult to tell. The best thing to do in this case, is consult your physician.
My niece suffers from anxiety attacks but her mother doesn’t know what to do.
The first thing to do is to let her mother know that these are panic attacks and they are treatable Then, find a good Cognitive Behavioral Therapist in your area for your niece to work with. If your niece is a teenage or child, you want to find a therapist who works with that age group. You can find a good CBT therapist but consulting with your niece’s doctor or calling the National Office of the Association of Black Psychologists or the American Association of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (AABCT).
What types of medications should be used?
Different types of medication are used. The choice depends on your Dr. As always, the best treatments are CBT or CBT with medication.
Is it a panic or anxiety attack when your listening to someone and all of sudden that person becomes smaller like in a tunnel and you can”t hear them and you start to shake and breath real hard?
The symptom you are describing is known as depersonalization (remember, psychologists love big words)
That combined with shaking and breathing card could signal you are having a panic attack.
What are some natural or homeopathic meds to take for these attacks? I went from Citalopram to Hyland”s Calm and Rescue Relief. It is workingwell for me but what are your thoughts or recommendations?
Natural remedies can work well. Chamoille and lavender have calming effects. The most effective treatment, however involves combining these with Cognitive Behavioral Therapies.
Can panic attacks be deadly?
No, but they can certainly make you feel as if you are going to die.
What is the best way to treat or overcome a panic attack? Is medication ever appropriate to treat panic attacks?
Medication can take the edge of a panic attack. However, the best treatment is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ( CBT) or CBT and medication
I am 51, female and started experiencing anxiety a few years ago when walking on beach, during a race, walking across a bridge. I find if can hold someone”s arm it stops. What could have triggered. My vision did change. I wear contacts.
Remember, the triggers for unexpected panic attacks are psychobiosocial. What is important is that you are having panic attacks in certain situations.You now know that they are panic attacks and that help is available.
I have them in the middle of the night, so it wakes me up out my sleep and it scares the mess out of me, and the palpitations are real deep. What can I do to control that?
The best treatment is cognitive behavioral therapy. There, you will learn effective ways of managing and reducing your nighttime panic attacks.
What kind of an effect do panic attacks have on you during sex?
The physical sensations of having sex are similar to the physical symptoms of having sex. For this reason, some people think they are having a panic attack when they are having sex. As a result, some people may avoid having sex.
I have had those night attacks since I was 6 yrs old, now 52. I went to asleep specialist in my 30’s and was told I had familial paralysis, is the doctor saying that it is really panic attacks?
Yes, familial paralysis is a form of panic attacks. It is easily treatable. Again, cognitive behavioral therapy is the key.
I was trying to drive across a bridge and couldn’t do it. I could not breathe. One of the kids had to drive over it.
Your story is so familiar. Many adults share the same story. Please consult your Dr. and ask him/her to refer you to a Cognitive Behavioral Therapists. This fear of driving over bridges is easily treatable.
Can anxiety be hormonal based? If so, what can be done to alleviate the symptoms. I never suffered from anxiety until after the birth of my 4th child and now the week leading into my cycle like clockwork I feel anxious.
Oh, yes, many women report the same thing. Please consult with your OB/GYN about what you are experiencing. Working together ,the two of you can develop a plan to reduce this problem.
Is there anything I can do to stop anxiety from occurring?
While you may be unable to stop anxiety from occurring in your life, there are many things you can do to stop it from interfering in your life and manage it more effectively. My book Soothe Your Nerves is wonderful place to start and describes many ways to do so. It is available in your local library,bookstore and online.
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