During a panic attack, resist the urge to flee the situation immediately, as avoidance reinforces fear in the long term by confirming to your brain that the location is dangerous.

noli's read

This advice is based on the principles of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), specifically the technique of exposure. Research largely supports the idea that phobic avoidance maintains anxiety disorders, as demonstrated by numerous meta-analyses on the effectiveness of prolonged exposure (source: American Psychological Association). The concept is that remaining in the situation allows for habituation to occur, where anxiety eventually subsides naturally, proving to the brain that the danger is absent. Dr. Smith simplifies a complex mechanism: while the concept is scientifically robust, it is crucial to note that for some individuals suffering from severe disorders, this approach may require graduated therapeutic support. There is no exaggeration here, but rather a practical popularization of a standard clinical protocol. It is a recognized strategy for breaking the cycle of fear.

the sources

No named source held this one up — that absence is part of the verdict.