Debunking Myths on Panic Attacks

Overview

It’s important to understand that panic attacks are often misunderstood and surrounded by misconceptions. These misconceptions can lead to stigma and discourage people from seeking help. Let’s debunk some of the most common myths about panic attacks and set the record straight.

It’s worth mentioning that panic attacks are quite common. According to research, one in every 75 people may experience a panic attack. Panic attacks are a real and serious issue that can cause significant distress.

Instead of stigmatising those who experience panic attacks, it’s essential to offer comfort and support.

Panic attacks 

Panic attacks are no joke. They’re these intense moments of anxiety that make you feel like you’re about to lose it. Your heart races, you can’t catch your breath, you feel dizzy, your muscles tense up – it’s a whole ordeal. And the worst part? They can happen out of nowhere without any real reason.

These attacks usually last a few minutes to half an hour, but the effects can last for hours. Believe it or not, panic attacks are pretty common. About 35 percent of people go through at least one in their lifetime. 

If left untreated, panic attacks can seriously affect your life. They can make you so afraid of having another attack that you start avoiding all sorts of situations. It’s no way to live.

Some of the most common myths or misconceptions are:

Misconception – Triggers always cause panic attacks

Reality – It’s important to note that a specific trigger or situation doesn’t always cause panic attacks. While some panic attacks can be linked to specific fears or phobias, not all of them follow this pattern.

Types of panic attacks: Expected and unexpected

Specific stimuli indeed trigger expected panic attacks, but unexpected panic attacks, also known as panic disorder, can happen without any apparent cause.

For example, you could experience your first panic attack while watching TV without feeling stressed beforehand or being in a fearful situation. Panic attacks can occur unexpectedly without a clear trigger.

Misconception – A panic attack is a sign of weakness or lack of willpower

Reality -Many people mistakenly believe that panic attacks are a result of weakness or a lack of willpower. This misconception unfairly stigmatises those who experience panic attacks and downplays the severity of their condition.

However, the truth is quite different: Panic attacks do not indicate weakness or a lack of willpower. Panic attacks are intricate occurrences that are influenced by psychological and biological factors. These factors can range from genetics and brain chemistry to significant life changes and even physical ailments like heart disease.

Misconception – Panic attacks are overreactions to stress and anxiety

Reality -Experiencing stress and anxiety can be a normal part of life, but it’s important to note that they don’t directly trigger panic attacks. Sometimes, people may say they’re having a panic attack when feeling nervous or stressed.

 People who truly suffer from panic attacks have zero control over their symptoms, and external factors do not cause their attacks.

Misconception – Panic attacks are caused by bad childhood 

Reality – While it’s true that childhood experiences can contribute to certain mental health disorders, it would be inaccurate to solely blame a bad childhood or overprotective parents for someone’s panic attacks. A variety of factors can cause panic attacks, and it’s important to consider the broader context of mental health disorders rather than solely focusing on childhood experiences.

Misconception – Panic attacks can be fixed quickly

Reality – There is no one-size-fits-all solution or quick fix for panic attacks. They are complex and require a comprehensive approach to treatment. It’s important to understand that each person’s experience with panic attacks is unique, and therefore, their journey towards managing them will be different. 

Treatment mostly involves a combination of therapies, medications, lifestyle changes, and possibly more holistic approaches. So, it’s essential to approach panic attacks with a personalised and multifaceted approach.

Misconception – Individuals experiencing panic attacks lose control of themselves

Reality – It’s common for individuals who experience panic attacks to feel like they’re losing control of themselves. Although the symptoms of panic attacks can be overwhelming, they don’t make you “lose your mind.” You may experience sensations of depersonalisation or derealisation, but these are not signs of losing control or psychosis.

Misconception – Panic attacks don’t require treatments

Reality -Don’t underestimate the impact of panic attacks and assume they don’t need treatment. It’s a common misconception that they are harmless, but that’s far from the truth. If left untreated, panic attacks can have serious physical and psychological consequences.

Physically, panic attacks can be mistaken for heart attacks, leading to unnecessary trips to the emergency room and medical procedures. Psychologically, they can cause anticipatory anxiety, fear of future attacks, and avoidance behaviours.

Fortunately, there are ways to manage panic attacks with the help of professionals. A combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication is often effective. Ignoring panic attacks won’t make them disappear, so seeking professional help is essential.

Misconception – Panic attacks are linked to panic disorders

Reality – Panic attacks are not exclusively linked to panic disorders. These attacks can be triggered by various health conditions, including generalised anxiety disorders, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, phobias (such as agoraphobia), depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. 

Additionally, panic attacks can sometimes be associated with physiological medical conditions like irritable bowel syndrome and sleep disorders, although this is less common.

Misconception – Panic attacks make you insane 

Reality – Panic attacks, although they may feel overwhelming, cannot induce insanity. While these attacks are often triggered by underlying mental health or anxiety issues, they do not indicate a person is “losing it” or “going crazy.” 

Panic attacks mostly peak within ten minutes of onset, but this timeframe can differ significantly among individuals. It is crucial to understand that experiencing panic attacks does not lead to insanity.

Misconception – Individuals with panic attacks only want attention

Reality – Panic attacks are often misunderstood by those who have never experienced them. Some individuals may mistakenly believe that people who have panic attacks are simply seeking attention. However, this perception couldn’t be further from the truth. Panic attacks are a genuine and serious condition that can be distressing for those who suffer from them.

Recognising that panic attacks are real, significant, and can be treated effectively is important. During a panic attack, individuals may experience irrational thoughts and intense fear, even in response to minor situations. Although these experiences may seem exaggerated to others, they are very real and impactful to the person going through them.

 Additionally, the physical symptoms accompanying panic attacks, such as rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, and difficulty breathing, are also genuine and should not be dismissed. It is essential to understand and support individuals who experience panic attacks rather than dismissing their experiences as mere attention-seeking behaviour.

Misconception – Panic attacks can kill you

Reality – Panic attacks can induce a great deal of fear, undoubtedly. Nevertheless, they are not lethal. Even though some individuals may mistake certain panic attack symptoms (such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, and feelings of suffocation) for medical emergencies, panic attacks cannot cause death.

 If you find that your panic attack has diminished but you continue to experience these symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical assistance promptly.

In a nutshell

Experiencing a panic attack can be an intimidating ordeal. Fortunately, the dialogue surrounding mental well-being is progressively becoming more transparent and socially acceptable. With any luck, this increased openness will contribute to dispelling the misunderstandings surrounding panic attacks and mental health conditions once and for all.

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