In this chapter, we’ll talk about the difference between panic attacks and anxiety. They can feel similar, but they’re not the same thing. You’ll also learn how your body’s alarm system works—and why it sometimes goes off even when there’s no real danger.

Understanding what’s happening inside you is an important first step toward feeling better.

Here you will learn:

• What a panic attack is, and how it feels for different people.

• How anxiety works like an inner alarm—and why it sometimes reacts too strongly.

• Why panic attacks can start from a small sensation and quickly spiral out of control.

• What panic disorder is, and how it’s different from just having a panic attack.