Can you die from a panic attack?

I have often encountered this question and fear in my private practice. When we experience a panic attack in its entire splendor, we may feel that we are on the verge of giving up, we feel like we are going to die.

Our heart is pounding, our breathing is heavy, and it makes us dizzy and sweaty. All these symptoms can lead us to think of the possibility of a serious medical problem that could endanger our live. With the thought that we could die, the conditions intensify, which strengthens even more the fear of dying.

So can you die from a panic attack?

The answer is a short one: NO, you don’t die from a panic attack!

The fact that panic attacks do NOT kill is one of the most important lessons we can learn in psychotherapy.

It is important for a person to understand how his body works. This way he will understand that the panic attack does not mean that he will die soon or that he will lose his mind. This intense anxiety is a state that comes and goes.

Client: ..Yes, but in those moments I feel like I’m going to die!
Psychotherapist: How many times have you died so far?..
Client: Well.. Never!

So, no matter how strong the belief that we are going to die, we need to get back on our feet and realize that this is not going to happen. At least not now and not because of the panic attack. And, if we still don’t die, it might not be such a bad idea to see what triggers and sustains our anxiety.

Psychotherapy can be very helpful in resolving the issues behind our panic attacks. Once these issues are resolved, the panic attacks will disappear, sometimes suddenly, sometimes gradually.

So, don’t get caught up in these panic attacks, but seek psychotherapy to get over them as soon as possible.

If you need help in the process of getting over your anxiety and panic attacks, I am here for you.

I wish you all the best and.. see you soon!