Anxiety and Panic Attacks: Coping with a Constant State of High Alert
- Emilia
- Jul 15
- 4 min read
Anxiety and Panic Attacks take over your life when uneasy situations develop into heart palpitations, breathlessness, dizziness and a fear of losing control. Over time, you may begin avoiding certain situations, sleeping less well and increasingly thinking, ‘I am always on edge’ or ‘I cannot get enough air’.
In my practice, I often hear clients say that they no longer trust their bodies. I explain calmly that their body is not working against them; it is trying to tell them something.
What happens during Anxiety and Panic Attacks when your nervous system remains on high alert?
During anxiety, your body can enter survival mode. The autonomic nervous system may remain highly activated, making it harder for your breathing, sleep, muscles and recovery to settle.
Many clients recognise symptoms such as:
heart palpitations
shallow breathing
pressure or tightness in the chest
dizziness
tense muscles
poor sleep
constant mental unrest
Research indicates that chronic stress can lead to prolonged activation and dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system, as discussed in this publication on autonomic stress responses. Other research connects physical stress responses with stress and anxiety mechanisms in the body. A systematic review of Chinese herbal formulas also cautiously illustrates why individual assessment remains important.
From my holistic perspective, I therefore consider three areas:
What support for Anxiety and Panic Attacks is available?
At Holistic Therapy Alkmaar, I offer complementary support for people living in North Holland or near Alkmaar. As an acupuncturist and hypnotherapist, I may combine acupuncture, acupressure, hypnotherapy, RTT, Chinese herbal medicine, tea, lifestyle guidance, dietary advice and mindset support where appropriate.
This support for Anxiety and Panic Attacks may be suitable for stress symptoms, panic symptoms and psychosomatic tension. Through Holistic Therapy Alkmaar, Deep Healing Acupuncture and Quick Reset, I work under The Healing Sky B.V. with clear explanations, transparent fees, a privacy policy, AGB registration and registrations with NVA, NBVH and RBCZ. This complementary support does not replace care from a GP, psychologist or Dutch mental healthcare services. If you are live near Alkmaar and are experiencing suicidal thoughts, an acute crisis, psychotic symptoms, fainting, chest pain, bleeding, sudden weight loss, worsening symptoms or a severe psychiatric condition, I would refer you to appropriate medical or mental healthcare services, for example.
If you live in North Holland or near Alkmaar, you can review the available options and use the booking form to see what may be appropriate support for Anxiety and Panic Attacks in your situation. You can also book a free introductory consultation, or visit the online shop for additional support options.
What people near Alkmaar and Bergen say about anxiety symptoms
‘My breathing became calmer and moments of panic feel less overwhelming’, Ilse, Krommenie
‘The support helped me feel more in control of tension, sleep and my nervous system’, Jasper, Wormerveer
Frequently asked questions about Anxiety and Panic Attacks
What are anxiety and panic attacks?
They involve intense distress in which the body and mind can temporarily feel overwhelmed.
What happens during a panic attack?
Your nervous system becomes highly activated and your body responds as though you are in danger.
Why do I experience heart palpitations?
I consider how stress, tension and heightened physical activation may be affecting you.
Why does my breathing feel shallow?
Breathing often changes during periods of tension. I can help you recognise these changes more calmly.
When might complementary support be suitable?
It may be suitable when stress, panic symptoms or psychosomatic tension are affecting your daily life.
When is complementary support not suitable?
In an acute crisis or where warning signs are present, I will always refer you to a GP or appropriate mental healthcare services.
Who offers support for panic attacks near Alkmaar?
My practice offers complementary support for people living in North Holland or near Alkmaar.
How can acupuncture support tension?
I use acupuncture as a complementary approach intended to support calm and body awareness.
How can acupressure help?
Acupressure may help you become more aware of tension and regulate it more gently.
What role can tea play?
I only discuss tea or herbal formulas following an individual assessment.
How can hypnotherapy help?
I use hypnotherapy to explore stress patterns and inner unrest carefully.
What does RTT do for persistent anxiety?
RTT may help you understand underlying patterns associated with tension and anxiety.
Why am I sleeping less well?
When your nervous system remains activated, it can be more difficult for rest and recovery to begin.
Why do I no longer trust my body?
Many clients experience this. I can help you understand physical signals in a calmer way.
How can I recognise psychosomatic tension?
You may notice persistent tension in your body and mind without naturally returning to a calmer state.
What does complementary support mean?
It means working alongside conventional care rather than replacing a GP, psychologist or Dutch mental healthcare services.
Where does support for Anxiety and Panic Attacks begin?
We begin by listening, explaining the available options and making an appropriate assessment of your situation.
How quickly might I notice a change?
This differs from person to person. I work carefully without guarantees or pressure.
Where can I book an introductory consultation?
People living in North Holland or near Alkmaar can book a free introductory consultation with Holistic Therapy Alkmaar.
Where can I find additional support?
People living in North Holland or near Alkmaar can also explore additional programmes and support in the online shop.
