If you're struggling with panic attacks, panic disorder, or even agoraphobia, you might be wondering: Why did this happen to me? While everyone's story has its nuances, the underlying mechanism is surprisingly similar for most people. Here's a breakdown of how panic attacks develop and what likely led to your first experience.

Agoraphobia and panic disorder are often misunderstood because they share a key feature: both involve an attempt to avoid or minimize the occurrence of panic attacks. However, they are distinct conditions, and understanding the difference between them is important for finding the right approach to manage and overcome these challenges.

One of the biggest challenges for people with panic attacks is explaining what it feels like to someone who’s never experienced it. Loved ones often struggle to understand why we act the way we do during or after a panic attack, and this can make us feel even more isolated.

If you’ve ever found yourself saying, “You just don’t get it,” here’s a way to help them empathize with what you’re going through.

The best way to understand how a panic attack functions is to think of it as an escalating spiral. This spiral captures the way panic exists and perpetuates itself within you. Let’s break it down step by step.