12 Myths About Panic Attacks

There are so many myths out there about mental health disorders, especially anxiety and panic attacks.

Unfortunately, people tend to promote information that simply is not based on factual evidence.

Today we are going to bust some myths about panic attacks, leaving you more educated and informed.

This is important work because as well as collectively try to reduce stigma surrounding mental health disorders, communities become more understanding and are able to better support people as they struggle.

Isn’t that why we are all here, anyways? To support each other. I think so. And promoting untrue information simply isn’t helping.

Panic Attacks Are Not Very Common

Actually, this is extremely false. Panic attacks and anxiety disorders are quite common. Just because you cannot see them at times, does not mean they do not exist.

In fact, anxiety disorders are the most common disorder in the United States, affecting just over 18% of people, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.

This statistic makes us talking about panic attacks even more important. We need to normalize the struggle.

Panic Attacks Cannot Be Treated

This is also very false. Anxiety and panic attacks can be greatly reduced, if not reduced altogether, by engaging in treatment.

This could be a combination of counseling and medication. It could be simply exercising and eating better. It could be focusing on meditation.

Your path to treatment is defined by you alone. However, it may be very helpful to engage a professional in your plan for developing interventions.

Unfortunately, only approximately 40% of individuals struggling with an anxiety disorder are engaging in treatment, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.

There is so much work to do here to ensure that everyone who could benefit from support and resources gets access to them.

Panic Attacks Are Short-lived

Actually, some panic attacks can be long-lasting. While some may be short lived, some people may struggle with a panic attack for a half hour or longer. This may seem relatively short compared to a full lifespan, but those thirty minutes can feel excruciating while you are in them.

Panic attacks are longer than just a few seconds or minutes. This is why having some kind of effective intervention planned for when they occur is most helpful.

Panic Attacks Are Best Treated With Medication

Actually, many people are quite successful decreasing their panic or anxiety without the help of pharmaceuticals.

While an as-needed medication is helpful to many, some choose the path of no medication to treating their anxiety.

They work hard at learning other coping techniques including meditation, deep breathing, mindfulness, journaling, distraction, and others.

Medication should not be the only tool that one has in their panic-attack toolkit – and remember that all prescription drugs can have side-effects. For example, some anti-depressants can make you suicidal.

Panic Attacks Feel Exactly Like A Heart Attack

While this is a parallel that many can draw, it is inappropriate to suggest that the average panic attack looks and feels like the average heart attack. Especially since there really is no average.

Panic attacks may mimic some of the symptoms of a heart attack, such as heart palpitations, racing pulse, and shortness of breath, but many report their level of consciousness during panic is different than that of a heart attack.

Of course it is important to rule out any underlying medical condition and to be aware of heart problems, but panic attacks most likely will not lead to any kind of heart issues.

My Throat Is Going To Close Up

People often report feeling as though their throat is closing during a panic attack.

Shortness of breath is a really common symptom that leads people to feeling as though they are suffocating.

However, panic attacks will not lead to the throat closing.

It can be helpful to intervene by using deep breathing techniques to gain control of one’s breathing during this time.

Fear of suffocation is real and scary, but it’s not going to happen as related to a panic attack.

I’ll Never Feel Normal Again After A Panic Attack

The body is a really beautiful creature that has the ability to relatively quickly bounce back to normal.

Who remembers learning about homeostasis? The body is engaging always in trying to get back to a comfortable and safe functional place. It will do so as quickly as it can after a panic attack.

You will be whole and you will be okay again after a panic attack. It just may take some time to begin to feel that and begin to believe it.

Nobody Understands What I’m Going Through When I Have A Panic Attack

You are right. Nobody understands your exact experience.

And even if there may be observable physical symptoms, you can never know what’s going on inside their mind.

But, panic and anxiety is very common, and if you find the bravery and willingness to talk about your experience, you will likely find people you can relate to and even learn from.

There is nothing better than finding a group of people who understand. You are not in this alone.

You may need to start by asking other people about their experiences. Do they ever feel anxious? Do they have panic attacks? What do they do to manage them or deal with them in the moment?

People want to talk and support each other if we are willing to reach out.

I’ll Always Have A Panic Attack When I Do XXX

Typically people believe that they will always have a panic attack doing the thing that they did the first time they had one. For example, if someone had a panic attack while driving, they may feel anxiety about ever driving again for fear of having another panic attack.

I’m here to tell you that you have to get back up there and try again. You will probably have another panic attack in your life, but it may not ever be doing that one thing again.

And you will not know unless you try.

Going To A Professional Will Never Take This Away Or Make It Better

Actually, I’m willing to bet that going to see a therapist or medical provider will make this easier and reduced faster than you are able to on your own. That is why we have access to professionals.

You may end up being surprised how engaging in a few simple interventions will make everything easier.

But you have to go and learn about them to find out.

I know it is hard to ask for help. It is scary. But you will never know if it could make your life easier unless you try.

I Am Losing Control

Your panic wants you to believe that you are losing control, but really it is presenting you with information about yourself.

You are not losing control, you are simply learning what you need to be okay.

You will easily gain control as your body begins to regulate and realize that it is not in danger. Remember, anxiety is simply fear of being unsafe.

Panic Attacks Are Caused By Stress

Everybody experiences stress but not everybody experiences panic attacks.

Yes, an increase in stress can make someone who has anxiety and panic more likely to experience an attack, but it is not the sole reason for experiencing panic attacks and you cannot always blame it on stress.

This is why you need to understand your panic and learn what it needs to be most comfortable and to be most reduced.

You can do it. It simply takes time and effort.

Conclusion

Remember, the aim of this guide is twofold:

1. It’s to help you eliminate some of the myths about panic attacks, because you may be worrying about something unnecessarily.
2. It’s to help spread the word to the world at large, to dispel these myths and hopefully reduce the stigma associated with any mental health issues, including panic attacks where it can be more obvious that something is amiss.