Panic attacks are more than fleeting moments of intense fear or anxiety—they are profound, often disorienting experiences that affect the mind and body in deeply interconnected ways. Those who endure panic attacks often describe them as overwhelming surges of dread, accompanied by a range of physical and emotional symptoms. These can include sensations of unreality, fear of losing control, or even death, alongside physical manifestations such as a racing heartbeat, dizziness, blurred vision, muscle tension, or difficulty breathing. Each episode leaves a lasting impression, creating a fear of recurrence that can spiral into a condition known as panic disorder.

For many, the journey begins with confusion and alarm. A sudden, inexplicable onslaught of symptoms propels them to seek answers, leading to visits with numerous medical professionals. Often, the absence of a physiological diagnosis only deepens their distress, fostering hypochondria and amplifying their sense of helplessness. Yet, the true roots of panic attacks frequently lie beyond the physical—in the complex interplay of psychological, emotional, and existential factors.

The Experience of a Panic Attack

The reality of a panic attack is uniquely personal and difficult to convey. Time seems distorted; mere minutes stretch into what feels like hours. Space feels alien, and the body itself becomes an unrecognizable terrain. Einstein’s theory of relativity offers a poetic lens through which to understand this phenomenon: just as gravity curves space-time, the intense arousal during a panic attack warps one’s perception of reality. This disconnection from the familiar can leave a person feeling untethered, amplifying their fear.

The Psychological Underpinnings

Gianni Francesetti, a psychiatrist and Gestalt therapist, introduces an illuminating perspective in his work on panic attacks. He describes the transition from “oikos” (home, safety, the familiar) to “polis” (the world, the unfamiliar) as a metaphor for the origins of panic. This shift often entails leaving behind old supports without yet establishing new ones, creating a precarious state of vulnerability. When this transition is fraught with unresolved needs, the growing energy and arousal have no outlet, manifesting instead as panic.

This state of disconnection also highlights the Gestalt concept of “figure and background,” where the focus on the immediate problem (the “figure”) obscures the broader context (the “background”). Panic sufferers may become fixated on solving their immediate fear, inadvertently creating a loop of anxiety that reinforces their condition. The challenge lies in shifting perspective—building a supportive background that restores balance and mitigates the fear-driven focus.

The Role of Therapy

Gestalt therapy provides a framework for addressing panic attacks by emphasizing the “here and now.” Therapists guide clients in exploring the circumstances surrounding their attacks, asking questions about time, place, and sensations. These inquiries help clients build a foundation of self-awareness and trust, turning previously terrifying experiences into manageable and meaningful events.

Therapists also work with the client’s “self,” which operates in three distinct modes:

1. The “Id” Function: This reflects the body’s natural impulses and needs. Recognizing these signals—such as hunger, tension, or relaxation—can help clients reconnect with their physical selves.
2. The “Ego” Function: This involves conscious choices and interactions with the environment. Strengthening this function enables clients to take control of their responses and expand their range of coping mechanisms.
3. The “Personality” Function: This represents self-perception and identity. By integrating past experiences and current realities, clients can cultivate a stable and resilient sense of self.

Through these functions, therapy fosters a sense of curiosity and self-exploration, transforming fear into an opportunity for growth.

The Symbolism of Pan and Panic

In ancient Greek mythology, there is a god who embodies the raw, untamed forces of nature: Pan. His name, derived from the Ancient Greek πάς meaning “every,” also has an Indo-European root signifying “to make fertile,” reflecting two complementary aspects of his character. Pan’s origin story is as vivid as his personality. Born to Hermes and the nymph Driope, Pan was a unique child with a beard, horns, and goat legs. His joyful, unrestrained nature frightened his mother, who abandoned him. However, Hermes brought Pan to Olympus, where the gods celebrated his arrival with delight.

Pan thrived in the wild, becoming a symbol of fertility, passion, and the spontaneous energy of life. He reveled in music, dance, and unbridled fun, often leading raucous celebrations in the forests and mountains. Yet, despite his jovial demeanor, Pan also possessed a darker power—the ability to inspire sudden, overwhelming fear, a phenomenon named in his honor: panic.

This dual nature of Pan mirrors the human experience of panic attacks. Just as Pan’s presence could evoke both joy and terror, panic attacks represent a complex interplay of spontaneous energy and paralyzing fear. The very word “panic” reflects this connection, as it originates from the name of this enigmatic deity.

The mythology of Pan offers a profound metaphor for understanding panic attacks. On one hand, they stem from raw, unprocessed energy within us—energy that, when acknowledged and channeled, holds the potential for creativity and transformation. On the other, they confront us with our vulnerabilities and fears, challenging us to integrate the wild, uncontrollable aspects of our psyche with our conscious selves.

By embracing this duality, therapy can help clients transform panic from a source of terror into an opportunity for growth. Pan’s story reminds us that the untamed forces within us, though initially intimidating, can become a wellspring of vitality, creativity, and personal evolution. In this way, the legacy of Pan offers a powerful lens through which to reframe and reclaim the experience of panic attacks.

Reclaiming Control and Building Resilience

The ultimate goal in addressing panic attacks is to transform the energy trapped within the body into a constructive force. This involves:

• Reconnecting with the Body: Exercises that focus on physical sensations and grounding help clients view their bodies not as alien spaces but as allies in their journey.
• Rediscovering Joy and Spontaneity: Engaging in activities that celebrate life—such as dancing, playing, or laughing—can help channel the raw energy of panic into creative and fulfilling expressions.
• Fostering Inner Support: By understanding the self through the lenses of “id,” “ego,” and “personality,” clients can cultivate internal resources that sustain them through challenges.

A Journey of Transformation

Panic attacks are not merely episodes of fear; they are complex, multifaceted experiences that reflect the interplay of mind, body, and environment. While they may initially feel overwhelming, they also hold the potential for profound self-discovery and growth. With the right therapeutic approach, individuals can learn to navigate their fears, embrace their inner strength, and emerge with a renewed sense of purpose and resilience.

In the words of Lewis Carroll’s Alice, “Who am I then? Tell me that first, and then, if I like being that person, I’ll come up.” The journey through panic is, at its core, a journey toward self-knowledge—a dance on the boundary between fear and freedom, between oikos and polis, and between the finite and infinite.