The Unfounded Fear of Losing Control During Panic Attacks

When people experience rapid heartbeat, palpitations, or feelings of dizziness during a panic attack, they often feel like they are losing control. However, it's essential to understand that these physical symptoms are not a sign of impending doom, but rather a natural bodily response to perceived danger.

In fact, the heart can beat quickly and continuously for an extended period without causing harm. Palpitations, which are often mistaken for signs of a heart attack, are simply a manifestation of increased adrenaline in response to perceived threat. Similarly, fainting or feeling like you're about to pass out is usually caused by a sudden drop in blood pressure, not a loss of control.

During panic attacks, the body's natural response is to release adrenaline, which increases strength and awareness of the danger. This physiological response would ensure survival if we were truly in peril. However, when this response occurs out of context, it can be terrifying and overwhelming.

It's crucial to remember that people with anxiety problems are not 'going crazy.' In fact, they are often too grounded in reality to lose control completely. Panic attacks may cause feelings of unreality, dizziness, nausea, or hyperventilation, but these symptoms are not a sign of mental instability.

Rather, panic disorder is a natural bodily reaction that occurs when our survival instincts are triggered without an actual threat present. This response is seen in all mammals, including humans, and serves as a means of protecting ourselves from harm. In the case of panic attacks, this response is simply misfired, causing unnecessary fear and discomfort.

By understanding the physical and psychological mechanisms behind panic attacks, we can begin to alleviate our fears of losing control and instead focus on managing our symptoms and regaining our sense of well-being.

Feeling of losing control