At Thrive Center for Health in Grand Rapids, MI, we understand that anxiety attacks can be a debilitating experience. They can strike unexpectedly, leaving you feeling overwhelmed and frightened. If you or someone you know has experienced anxiety attacks, it’s essential to separate fact from fiction. In this blog, we will explore what anxiety attacks are, debunk common myths, and discuss how innovative treatments like ketamine therapy can help you regain control of your life.
What Are Anxiety Attacks?
Anxiety attacks are sudden episodes of intense fear, worry, or panic that can feel overwhelming. They often come on without warning and may involve physical symptoms like chest tightness, shortness of breath, or dizziness. Anxiety attacks can happen to anyone, but they’re especially common among people with generalized anxiety, panic disorder, or PTSD. Understanding what’s really happening in your body and mind is the first step toward managing anxiety effectively.
Common Myths About Anxiety Attacks
Myth: Anxiety attacks are just overreactions.
Truth: They are real physiological events triggered by brain chemistry and stress hormones.
Myth: They’re always caused by something obvious.
Truth: Anxiety attacks can occur even when there’s no immediate external stressor.
Myth: You can just ‘calm down’ or think your way out of it.
Truth: Anxiety attacks bypass rational thought and need a targeted response.
Myth: They’re dangerous or life-threatening.
Truth: While scary, most anxiety attacks are not medically dangerous.
Myth: Only people with weak minds experience them.
Truth: Anxiety can affect anyone, regardless of strength, intelligence, or background.
By debunking these myths, you can better understand the nature of anxiety attacks and how they affect you or your loved ones.
The Truth About Symptoms and Causes
Symptoms of anxiety attacks include rapid heart rate, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, chest pain, and a feeling of losing control. Some people also experience nausea, dizziness, chills, or a sense of detachment from reality. These symptoms are caused by a surge of stress hormones—especially adrenaline—triggered by your brain’s threat response system.
You might not always know what caused the attack, especially if your anxiety is linked to past trauma, chronic stress, or chemical imbalances. Understanding your personal triggers and learning to recognize early warning signs can help you manage or prevent future attacks.
How Ketamine Helps with Anxiety
At Thrive Center for Health, we specialize in ketamine therapy for anxiety and mood disorders that haven’t improved with traditional care. Ketamine acts on the brain’s glutamate system, helping to interrupt anxious thought loops and reset dysfunctional patterns. It’s believed to enhance neuroplasticity, allowing the brain to create healthier pathways for mood regulation and stress response.
Unlike traditional medications, which may take weeks to work, ketamine can provide noticeable relief within hours or days. Studies show up to 75% of patients experience a positive response after just one ketamine infusion for anxiety. At Thrive Center for Health, we use ketamine infusions to treat anxiety safely, compassionately, and with personalized care.
What to Expect from Treatment
If you decide to pursue ketamine therapy at Thrive Center for Health, you’ll receive your infusion in a private, spa-like room designed to help you relax and feel safe. The treatment lasts 40–60 minutes and is administered by an experienced provider who monitors you throughout.
You may feel floaty, detached, or experience mild dissociation during the session—these effects are normal and temporary. After your infusion, you’ll rest until you feel ready to go home—but you’ll need someone to drive you. Most patients start with a series of six infusions over two to three weeks, followed by booster sessions as needed.
While we do not offer individual therapy, our weekly group therapy sessions are a valuable support option during treatment. Our Grand Rapids, MI clinic combines science-backed treatment with a calming, compassionate environment. We’re here to walk beside you—no judgment, just innovative care designed to help you find relief faster.
Final Thoughts
Understanding anxiety attacks is crucial for managing them effectively. By debunking common myths and recognizing the symptoms and causes, you can take the first steps toward regaining control over your life. If you’re struggling with anxiety attacks and traditional treatments haven’t worked for you, consider exploring ketamine therapy at Thrive Center for Health.
We are committed to providing you with the support and care you need to navigate your journey toward healing. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our services, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
At Thrive Center for Health, we are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for everyone seeking our services. We proudly stand as a welcoming space for members of the LGBTQIA+ community, ensuring that all individuals receive compassionate care and support on their journey toward improved mental health and well-being. Our team is dedicated to providing a respectful and affirming experience for all, regardless of their identity or background.
