14: Why Am I Panicking? (Symptoms & Diagnoses: Anxiety)

What does a panic attack actually feel like? How is it different from everyday stress or generalized anxiety? And why can anxiety make you feel like you're having a heart attack when you're perfectly safe?

In this episode of This Way In, Amy shares her firsthand experience with panic attacks while Brittney explains what's happening in the brain and body during both panic attacks and generalized anxiety disorder. Together, they explore common symptoms, why anxiety can seem to come out of nowhere, how panic disorder differs from generalized anxiety, and practical grounding techniques that can help calm the nervous system.

Whether you've experienced anxiety yourself or want to better understand someone who has, this episode offers compassionate, practical insight into one of the most common mental health conditions.

This episode was recorded on March 23, 2026 and released on July 30, 2026.

If you prefer to consume your podcasts visually, we also offer video versions on YouTube @thiswayinpodcast or at our website at https://www.thiswayinpodcast.com

Chapter Markers

00:25 Intro

01:00 Amy's Past Experiences with Panic Attacks

06:58 Tips for Calming a Panic Attack

15:33 Panic Disorder

29:01 Anxiety Disorder

40:01 Next Time

40:32 Disclaimer

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Disclaimer

This Way In is a conversation about mental health and wellbeing, not a replacement for therapy. Listening does not create a therapist–client relationship. Please never delay, disregard, or change professional recommendations because of something you hear here.

Credits

Co-Produced and Hosted by: Brittney Baxter Dameron and Amy Lotsberg

Production, Artwork, and Editing: Amy Lotsberg at Collected Sounds Media, LLC.

Theme song. “The Journey” by Melissa West and Mixed/Mastered by Pink Flamingo Home Studio

Thank you for listening, take care of yourselves. We’ll see you next time!