Welcome to the future home of Magnolia Mental Health Clinic! Learn More

Welcome to Magnolia Mental Health Clinic

Supporting Your Mental Health Journey with a New Name and New Location

We’re excited to share some important updates! Starting December 2024, the Marianne Geiger, M.D. Clinic of Psychiatric Care will be called the Magnolia Mental Health Clinic. We chose the name Magnolia because the magnolia flower symbolizes good health, stability, self-respect and hope—values we hold close in our mission to support your mental well-being.

What’s New:

  • New Name: We’re now Magnolia Mental Health Clinic, reflecting our commitment to growth, healing and a holistic approach to mental health.
  • New Location: Soon, you will be able to find us at 6377 Sebring Way, Loves Park, IL 61111—just 2.8 miles from our current location.
  • New Look: Our branding has been refreshed to reflect the values and dedication we bring to every interaction.
  • New Website: Before the end of the year, you will be able to find our new website at www.magnoliaMHC.com.

What’s Staying the Same:

  • Our Care Team: You’ll still see the same compassionate team, ready to support you at every step.
  • Contact Information: All phone numbers and appointment channels remain unchanged. We’re updating our email domain, but current emails will be forwarded so no messages will be missed.
  • Our Mission: Continuing to provide the warm, professional psychiatric care you trust.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions. We’re here to make this transition as seamless as possible for you.

Thank you for being part of our community.

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Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder

Fear is a normal emotion. When a person is afraid of something, she usually tries to defend herself against it or escape from it. However, some people have episodes when they are extremely afraid for no particular reason. During these episodes, they often think that they are in danger, going crazy, or about to die.

They may also have physical symptoms of fear, such as a racing, pounding heart and fast breathing. Episodes of fear at this level are called panic attacks.

Panic Attacks

A panic attack is a sudden feeling of extreme anxiety. It can begin with a stressful event or without cause and can last several minutes. During a panic attack a person may have a feeling of intense fear or terror, difficulty breathing, chest pain or tightness, heartbeat changes, dizziness, sweating, and shaking.

Some people have panic attacks only once or twice in their lives while other people have them on a regular basis (often daily or weekly). Some people have panic attacks which are brought on by a specific trigger (such as drinking too much caffeine) while other people have panic attacks without a known trigger.

Panic Disorder

Panic Disorder develops when a person who has panic attacks:

  • Worries or is preoccupied about having another panic attack (anticipatory anxiety)
  • Avoids the situation or place where the panic attack occurred
  • Makes changes in her life to try to avoid having another panic attack

About one third of people with panic disorder also are afraid of being in a place or situation where they cannot escape or cannot get help if a panic attack occurs. Their fear of having another panic attack (anticipatory anxiety) is so great that it prevents them from leaving their homes to do normal daily activities such as shopping for food. This is called panic disorder with agoraphobia.