TryGOLD- Free

ANATOMY OF A PANIC ATTACK

Prevention US|October 2023
What causes an OUT-OF-PROPORTION RESPONSE to a perceived THREAT? Here, what's happening in the BRAIN AND BODY, and ways to CALM THE ANXIETY or even sidestep it before it starts to spin wildly off.
- RACHEL RABKIN PEACHMAN
ANATOMY OF A PANIC ATTACK

The day Katie Christianson, 53, and her husband were told that he had cancer was a blur.

It wasn't until nighttime, after he had gone to sleep, that the shock of the news gave way to feelings of fear and dread for her. Suddenly she couldn't breathe, her heart raced, and she heard her pulse thundering in her ears. Then there was an unbearable heaviness upon her, most excruciating in her chest. "It felt like a sensation of waves crushing me, and like a knot wired under my rib cage created a pain so tense and so tight," she says.

Christianson knew what was happening: It was a panic attack, something she'd experienced countless times since her 20s. But knowing that didn't necessarily mean she could stop it. "It just feels so heavy, like my bones aren't strong enough to hold up my body, like suddenly I have just increased in density molecularly," she says.

That night, Christianson closed the bathroom door so as not to wake her husband. Then, she says, she ripped off her clothes "because it felt like I was coming out of my skin" and stood under the hot shower spray while she sobbed and tried to catch her breath. "I bent over with my hands on my knees, hoping that would make it easier, and when it didn't, I just curled up on the shower stall floor in a ball, the water beating on my back." She's not sure how many minutes this panic attack lasted: "I only know that I ran out of hot water."

A HYPERACTIVE ALARM SYSTEM

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM PREVENTION USView all
Prevention US

NUTRITION: HIGH-PROTEIN HEROES

Our favorite picks for getting more of this key macronutrient

time-read
2 mins  |
July 2025
Live Longer and love it!
Prevention US

Live Longer and love it!

We asked a bunch of seniors who are enjoying their here and now (along with experts in mental and physical health) for secrets to living happily into their 70s, 80s, 90s, and beyond. They all agree: It's time to stop fearing older age and instead learn to thrive.

time-read
10 mins  |
July 2025
TEST YOUR GUT-HEALTH SMARTS
Prevention US

TEST YOUR GUT-HEALTH SMARTS

QUIZ TIME! CIRCLE THE BEST OPTION.

time-read
2 mins  |
July 2025
BABY YOUR BACK
Prevention US

BABY YOUR BACK

Is yours tight or achy? Are you in need of a reset after a stressful day? Child's pose may help. This static stretch promotes flexibility, fosters harmony through the mindbody connection, and can help improve overall mobility.

time-read
1 min  |
July 2025
HEED THE HEAT
Prevention US

HEED THE HEAT

TAKE THESE STEPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF AS EARTH GETS HOTTER.

time-read
1 min  |
July 2025
WHAT'S UP WITH...FRECKLES
Prevention US

WHAT'S UP WITH...FRECKLES

Maybe you got teased for them as a kid, but now you can’t imagine your face without them.

time-read
1 min  |
July 2025
YOUR GOOD-MORNING MEAL
Prevention US

YOUR GOOD-MORNING MEAL

ENJOY AND STAY FULL 'TIL LUNCH.

time-read
1 min  |
July 2025
MY DIAGNOSIS: Out of Nowhere, My Voice Started Changing
Prevention US

MY DIAGNOSIS: Out of Nowhere, My Voice Started Changing

Speaking in public was a big part of my life, so it was a shock when my words turned wobbly and weak.

time-read
5 mins  |
July 2025
THE HAPPY HIP WORKOUT
Prevention US

THE HAPPY HIP WORKOUT

Don't wait to feel an ache to start shoring up these all-important joints.

time-read
1 min  |
July 2025
5 MYTHS ABOUT SKIN CANCER
Prevention US

5 MYTHS ABOUT SKIN CANCER

We're shining a bright UV light on some confusing issues—now you'll be totally covered this summer.

time-read
4 mins  |
July 2025

We use cookies to provide and improve our services. By using our site, you consent to cookies. Learn more