“Why did I even read that news?” A whirlwind spun up in my head — thoughts like scraps of paper swirling in the dark. My heart began to pound, as if trying to break out of my chest and fly into the sky. My ears started ringing, and the air turned thick and heavy, as if it had become oil. It felt like someone had wrapped my chest in a tight band. My hands went cold, and the world suddenly became distant and blurred. Everything inside me tightened, and a single thought echoed through my mind: “What’s happening to me?” Time stretched, and each breath felt like it might be the last.
In this episode of the Misery Shared Podcast, Slava talks about panic attacks — how they work on the inside, from the brain’s perspective, in simple terms. He also shares techniques that may help during a panic attack, especially if you don’t have immediate access to a psychologist.
Disclaimer: the author makes it clear that he is not a psychologist or a psychotherapist. He strongly opposes any form of online diagnosis. This podcast is not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. Its purpose is to explain things in simple terms and to encourage people to seek help from a therapist — even if it feels like a waste of time. It also aims to help listeners choose a good mental health professional.
A panic attack is a sudden and intense wave of fear that comes on within minutes. You may not even understand where the threat is coming from — your body simply switches into “fight or flight” mode, even though there’s no visible danger. A panic attack isn’t a separate illness — it’s always a symptom, though a serious one. That’s why, when it happens, you should first contact your general practitioner. They’ll need to rule out any underlying issues, like heart problems or thyroid disorders. If everything checks out, the doctor will most likely refer you to anxiety specialists — a psychologist or psychotherapist.
But why is a panic attack such a serious symptom? Because its signs can closely resemble several different conditions — each of which requires a different approach.
Slava explains: for example, if your heart starts racing, your hands begin to shake, and you feel anxious — it might not be a panic attack at all, but low blood sugar. In both cases, the body switches into “fight mode”: adrenaline speeds up your pulse, chills may set in, and your vision can blur. But there’s a key difference. With low blood sugar, you may feel the same weakness, maybe a strong headache or even mental fog — but if you eat something sweet or drink some juice, the symptoms will pass. During a panic attack, however, hunger is usually absent. The line is very thin — and that’s exactly why, instead of guessing what’s going on, you need a specialist.
Slava adds that if hypoglycemia (which is low blood sugar) is also something new for you, there’s a quick way to rule it out — and possibly even save your life: eat a spoonful of sugar or drink half a glass of any regular (non-diet) soda. It’s important that this be a simple, fast-absorbing carbohydrate. That means milk, chocolate, or pastries won’t work — because they also contain fats, which slow down sugar absorption. As a result, your blood glucose will rise too slowly. Using those as first aid is not only incorrect — it can even be dangerous. Drinks labeled “sugar-free” or “zero calories” won’t help either. You need fast sugar. So, as strange as it may sound, carry at least six sugar cubes with you (three cubes equal roughly 15 grams of sugar — enough to raise your glucose level). If the issue was hypoglycemia, you should start feeling better within 10–15 minutes of taking those 15 grams of sugar. If not, take another 15 grams and wait again — this is known as the “15-15 Rule”. After that, make sure to see a doctor. And if you still don’t feel better — or if you’re getting worse — call an ambulance.
Slava emphasizes that he’s describing all of this in such detail because he himself rarely went to the doctor — and when he experienced a sudden drop in blood sugar, it was only thanks to the people around him who immediately recognized what to do that everything turned out okay.
Returning to the main topic, Slava continues: the line between different conditions that resemble a panic attack is quite thin — because of the physical symptoms involved. As we’ve already noted, a panic attack can also cause trembling, a rapid or pounding heartbeat. You might feel short of breath, break out in a sweat, feel hot or chilled. There may be pressure in the chest, nausea, dizziness, and more. And because these symptoms resemble many other conditions — including, for example, a heart attack — it’s essential to rule out even the slightest risk. And only a doctor can do that.
If we focus specifically on a panic attack — what does it feel like in the moment? Like intense fear that something catastrophic is about to happen. There’s a sense of unreality, as if everything around you isn’t quite real. It becomes very hard to hold on to even a single thought. But after a few minutes, it gradually passes. So, if it is a panic attack — and you’ve already been medically checked and ruled out other conditions (like heart problems) — then the attack itself isn’t dangerous to your health. However, as an event, a panic attack signals some serious changes in the body — at the level of brain chemistry and neurological responses.
Listen to this episode to learn in simple terms how a panic attack works — why it happens, and what strategies can help you cope if you can’t reach out to a psychologist.
The next episode of the Misery Shared Podcast will focus on insomnia: its causes, and some practical tips that may help you restore a healthy routine or fall asleep more easily.
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