Amelia Grant

A panic attack isn't just a sudden feeling of fear. It's a complex bodily reaction involving the nervous system, the hormonal balance, and the human psyche. When it occurs, the body reacts as if a real threat were imminent: the heart rate begins to increase, breathing becomes shallow, dizziness occurs, and the feeling that the situation is spiraling out of control occurs. Although this issue is widespread, many myths surround panic attacks. These misconceptions prevent people from seeking help in time and only increase anxiety. In this article, we analyze the most common myths about panic attacks and explain why you shouldn't believe them.

1. A panic attack is a sign of weakness

Many people believe that panic attacks only occur in "weak" or impressionable people. In fact, this isn't true. Panic attacks can affect anyone, regardless of personality, social status, or willpower. The reasons for their occurrence are related to the characteristics of the nervous system, stress, overexertion, or even genetic predisposition. It's important to understand: A panic attack is a medical condition, not a personality trait.

2. A panic attack always indicates a mental illness

There is a myth that a panic attack indicates a serious mental illness. This is not true. A panic attack can be the body's reaction to chronic stress, lack of sleep, overexertion, or strong emotions. Indeed, for some people, panic attacks are part of a panic attack or anxiety disorder, but not always. For many, they occur episodically and never recur.

3. A panic attack can lead to death

During a panic attack, you experience rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, trembling, and dizziness. These are similar to the symptoms of a heart attack, which is why many people think, "I'm dying." However, a panic attack itself cannot lead to death. It is unpleasant and frightening, but not life-threatening. Even if the sensations are extremely intense, they pass after a while, and your heart and breathing return to normal.

4. A panic attack can drive you crazy

Some people believe that a panic attack can cause you to lose control and go crazy. But this is a misconception. A panic attack is not psychosis or schizophrenia. The sufferer is aware of what is happening to them, even though they feel extremely uncomfortable. The symptoms can be significant, but are not accompanied by a loss of reason. It is an anxiety spectrum disorder that can be treated and corrected.

5. A panic attack lasts a very long time

Another common myth is that an attack can last for hours. In fact, a panic attack usually lasts 5 to 20 minutes. Sometimes feelings of anxiety can last longer, but the peak of the attack itself is relatively short. Afterward, a feeling of fatigue or anxiety may occur, but this is not the attack itself, but rather the result of hormonal release.

6. Panic attacks only occur in anxious people

The myth is that panic attacks only occur when you are constantly worried and nervous. But this isn't true. Even a person who is calm and balanced in everyday life can experience a panic attack. Sometimes this happens during a period of severe stress or after a stressful event, and the affected person is completely unprepared for it.

7. Panic attacks are uncontrollable

Many people think a panic attack is completely uncontrollable. In fact, some techniques help manage panic attacks: breathing exercises, attention shifting, muscle relaxation, and grounding exercises. Moreover, the intensity and frequency of attacks are significantly reduced through regular panic attack therapy and collaboration with a specialist.

8. A panic attack can be "endured" and forgotten forever

Some people believe that the attacks will go away on their own if you simply ignore them. Unfortunately, this isn't always the case. Without understanding the causes and without working with a specialist, panic attacks can recur and even become more severe. In addition, some people develop a fear of new attacks that restricts their lives: they no longer take the subway, avoid public places, or take long walks. Therefore, it is important not to delay seeking help.