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  Panic attacks are sudden episodes of intense fear or discomfort that peak within minutes and are often accompanied by physical symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, and a sense of impending doom. Though they can feel life-threatening, panic attacks are not inherently dangerous. They are a physiological misfire of the body’s fight-or-flight system, triggered without a real threat (Feinstein, 2021). 🔬  What Happens During a Panic Attack? At the core of a panic attack is the brain’s alarm system, particularly the amygdala, sending signals that flood the body with adrenaline. This cascade activates the sympathetic nervous system, preparing the body to respond to danger. However, in the case of a panic attack, there is no actual threat, which leads to a mismatch between perception and reality (Science News Today, 2025). Common symptoms include: Rapid heartbeat Sweating or chills Trembling Shortness of breath Nausea Tingling sensations Feelings of unreality...

  Understanding Panic Attacks A panic attack is a sudden, intense surge of fear or discomfort that typically peaks within minutes. Symptoms may include: Racing heart Shortness of breath Dizziness or faintness Chest pain Sweating or shaking A feeling of losing control or impending doom While panic attacks feel terrifying, they’re generally not physically dangerous. They're often caused by a misfiring of the body’s fight-or-flight response, with no actual threat present. What  Not  to Do When You’re Having a Panic Attack 1.  ❌  Don’t Fight the Sensation Trying to "stop" the attack often intensifies it. Instead: Acknowledge what’s happening—“This is a panic attack. It will pass.” Why it works:  Acceptance calms your threat system. 2.  ❌  Don’t Hyperventilate or Try to "Get More Air" Breathing rapidly worsens dizziness and chest tightness. Instead: Breathe in through your nose for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale slowly for 6. Why it works:  Regulat...