
Myths vs. Truths about Panic Attacks


Dr. Johnna Medina Daniels
Licensed Psychologist
Expertise:
Addiction, Health Behavior Change, Exercise/Yoga Interventions for Mental Health, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy
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Ever rushed to the ER convinced you were having a heart attack, only to be told it was "just" a panic attack? You're not alone, and you're not overreacting. This comprehensive guide cuts through the confusion and fear surrounding anxiety and panic attacks with clear, science-based facts that will change how you understand these intense experiences.
From debunking the myth that panic attacks are dangerous medical emergencies to explaining why you can't actually suffocate during one, this resource separates fact from fiction. You'll discover why your nervous system is actually working perfectly during a panic attack, learn to distinguish between real medical symptoms and anxiety responses, and understand why fighting anxiety often makes it worse.
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Distinguish between panic attack symptoms and actual medical emergencies - Learn the key differences between anxiety responses and serious conditions like heart attacks, seizures, and breathing emergencies
Understand the science behind anxiety and panic responses - Discover how your sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems work together, and why panic attacks are actually signs of a healthy stress response system
Develop healthier relationships with anxiety and panic - Move beyond the "calm down immediately" approach to learn evidence-based strategies for relating to anxiety without making it worse
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