Panic Attacks
What a panic attack is, why it feels so dangerous, and how it gets better
Eduardo Florez, LMHC #MH23066 · October 7, 2026 · 5-min read
Part of The ShieldMee Guide: Anxiety & OCD →
“I thought I was having a heart attack.”
“I feel like I’m going crazy or about to pass out.”
“I don’t drive on the highway anymore, just in case.”
“The doctor said I’m fine. So why does this keep happening?”
If you’ve had a panic attack, you know how real it feels.
It’s one of the scariest things a body can do.
And it’s one of the most treatable.
What a panic attack is
A panic attack is a sudden wave of intense fear. It usually peaks within a few minutes.
It can bring a racing heart, chest tightness, shortness of breath, shaking, sweating, dizziness, tingling, nausea, or a feeling that things aren’t real.
Many people feel sure they’re dying, losing control, or going crazy.
It’s your body’s alarm system going off when there’s no fire.
The alarm is real. The danger usually isn’t.
First, check with a doctor
Chest pain and trouble breathing can have medical causes too.
If you have new or different chest pain, pain that spreads to your arm or jaw, or you faint, call 911 or go to the ER. Don’t assume it’s panic.
If your doctor has already checked you out, it’s still worth telling them about the attacks. Caffeine, thyroid problems, some medicines and stopping alcohol or other substances can all set off panic-like symptoms.
Why panic keeps coming back
After the first attack, many people start watching their body closely.
A skipped heartbeat. A little dizziness. “Is it happening again?”
That fear makes the body more alarmed. Which brings on more symptoms. Which brings on more fear.
Then the avoiding starts. The highway. The grocery store. Being far from home. Being alone.
Avoiding feels safer. But it teaches your brain that those places really are dangerous. The world gets smaller.
When panic attacks keep coming and you live in fear of the next one, that’s called panic disorder.
Tired of planning your life around the next attack?
Use your insurance · see your cost before you book
What helps
Panic responds well to treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the best-studied approaches.
Understanding the cycle. When you know what your body is doing, it gets less scary.
Facing the feelings on purpose. Step by step, we practice bringing on mild versions of the sensations you fear, like a fast heartbeat, so your brain learns they’re safe.
Taking your life back. We slowly return to the places you’ve been avoiding, at a pace you help choose.
Some people also take medication prescribed by a doctor. I don’t prescribe, but I’m glad to work with your doctor.
How I work
I listen closely to the words you use. “What if I pass out?” “I can’t be far from home.” Those sentences show me exactly what the panic is guarding.
I also look at your life around the panic. Stress at work. Changes at home. Who you lean on when it hits.
Panic and your relationship
Panic doesn’t just happen to one person. It happens to the whole household.
Your partner may start driving everywhere, staying home with you, or answering the same “Am I okay?” question again and again.
That comes from love. But it can keep the panic going, and it can leave your partner scared and worn out.
Bringing your partner into a session or two can help. They learn how to support you without shrinking your world. You get to feel like partners again, not patient and caregiver.
You might recognize yourself here
- You’ve gone to the ER sure it was your heart, and it wasn’t.
- You check your pulse or breathing a lot.
- You avoid driving, stores, crowds or being alone because of what might happen.
- You always know where the exits are.
- You carry water, medicine or your phone “just in case.”
- Your partner has started rearranging life around your panic.
Who this work is for
- Adults in Florida with panic attacks or panic disorder
- People who avoid places or activities because of panic
- Couples where panic is shaping the whole household
- People with panic plus other anxiety, depression or stress
- Spanish-speaking or bilingual adults
You don’t need a diagnosis to start.
Who this isn’t for
I work with adults. If you are under 18, this page is not describing services for you.
If you are in immediate danger or thinking about suicide, call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
If you’re having chest pain right now, call 911. Get checked first, then we can talk.
Sessions must take place while you are physically located in Florida.
Start with the last attack
You don’t have to explain it perfectly.
You can start with one sentence:
“I’m scared of my own body.”
We can start there.
In-network with Aetna, Cigna, Florida Blue, UnitedHealthcare and more through Headway · 53-minute sessions
Telehealth anywhere in Florida · English / Español
In crisis? Call or text 988.
Frequently asked questions
Can a panic attack hurt me?
A panic attack itself isn’t dangerous, even though it feels that way. But chest pain and trouble breathing can have other causes, so get checked by a doctor, and call 911 for new or severe symptoms.
Can therapy for panic be done by video?
Yes. Video sessions work well for panic, and some of the practice can happen right where your panic shows up, like your car or your home.
Can my partner come too?
Yes. I see individuals, couples and families. Whether couples sessions are covered depends on your insurance plan. You’ll see your estimated cost on my Headway page before you book.
Do you offer therapy in Spanish?
Yes. Sessions can be in Spanish, English, or both.
How much does therapy cost?
It depends on your insurance plan. Most clients pay a copay or coinsurance. You’ll see your estimated cost on my Headway page before you book.
Do you take insurance?
Yes. I’m in-network with Aetna, Cigna, Florida Blue, UnitedHealthcare, Oscar, and other plans through Headway. Check your coverage and book on my Headway page.
When can I start?
Appointments are generally available the next day or within the same week, every day except Saturday.
Eduardo Florez, LMHC
Eduardo Florez, LMHC, has worked across forensic, institutional and private practice settings. He is the founder and clinical director of ShieldMee, a Florida nonprofit telehealth practice, and works bilingually with couples in crisis and clients for whom therapy hasn’t worked before.
Related reading: Anxiety vs. Worry · High-Functioning Anxiety · What Is CBT?
Ready to talk to someone?
ShieldMee offers telehealth therapy across Florida for individuals, couples, and families. Insurance accepted through Headway.
Start TherapyIf you're in crisis, call or text 988 any time.