Understanding Panic Attacks: A Psychological Analysis of Joel's Experience in The Last of Us

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In this video, psychotherapist Georgia Dow provides a detailed analysis of Joel's panic attacks as depicted in the HBO show The Last of Us. Dow explains what panic attacks are, how they manifest, and why they can be so overwhelming and debilitating. Using examples from the show, she shows how Joel's panic attacks are triggered by traumatic memories and intense emotional experiences, and how they affect his behavior and relationships with others. Dow also offers practical tips and strategies for managing panic attacks, including deep breathing exercises, cognitive restructuring, and mindfulness techniques. Whether you're a fan of The Last of Us or simply interested in learning more about panic attacks, this video provides a fascinating and insightful look into the psychological dynamics of this common and often misunderstood condition.
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[@AesirUnlimited]

I’m glad more shows are actually depicting men’s vulnerabilities. I watched this episode and got a little choked up to see him having his panic attacks. Most shows just have stoic badasses who never seem to feel anything. Joel and Hank Schrader from Breaking Bad are the only two characters that I’ve related to in regards to their panic attacks so far.

[@jromero9795]

Ted Lasso did a really good job portraying this as well, IMO

[@PourlephoneProductions]

I think that Joel's first panic attack is caused by the realization that his brother might be dead. He has another one after the confrontation with Tommy because he now sees that his brother has moved on, he no longer needs his protection. After all he went through to find Tommy, Joel now feels that he no longer has a purpose.

[@jraqn]

the one after his fight with tommy I think was also in part caused by some of what tommy said to him. “Just because life stopped for you doesn’t mean it has to stop for me” I think that was the first time anyone has remotely verbalized anything to do with Sarah’s death for a long time for Joel, and it brought a lot of his buried trauma back up, and of course seeing someone who looked like her right after didn’t help.

[@PourlephoneProductions]

@@jraqn That's possible, but I think seeing someone who looked like Sarah had the opposite effect. It made clear what Tommy said: "Life continues" and that's when he started to let go of Sarah and started to accept his affection for Ellie.

[@ninus17]

I am a 22 year Old guy who has suffered from anxiety for a lot of years now. And I have had several panic/ anxiety attacks. I feel for Joel and I find the way they depicted it in the show was a lot like the way I experienced the attacks. Joel was lucky that his attacks did not last too long. When I used to get them before I got medicated for it, the attack could last anywhere from 3 hours to 3 days. And it is the most horrible feeling ever. And to anyone who might have a similar experience, I just want to say that you are not alone and that you will get through it and I believe in you even though I don’t know you personally.

[@dominicdevore2570]

Honestly though, I really have to take bathroom breaks at work to calm myself down cause they’d last for more than 2 hours at a time. Been working through it but still have those moments

[@lockboxDAI]

I realized they were panic attacks midway in the episode, and was over he moon. Not happy that Joel was getting panic attacks mind you but the fact that most people assumed they were **heart attacks**, which means that media should panic attacksmore often. That way the general public can be more familiarized with the subject, recognize the signs and be more sympathetic as a whole

[@sofiabento3024]

Totally

[@The_Story_Of_Us]

I love by the way that Joel’s problems, his self-doubt, his anger, all of these things are coming from this primal fear he has of watching Ellie die, all of it stems from the trauma. Even his feelings of protective responsibility, like in episode 4 how we learn the way he feels about Tommy too, why he took the effort to go out and find him, it’s all stemming from his fear of loss. And what I love that gets him to start taking steps to overcome this fear isn’t some manning up, some gritting your teeth determination, it’s hearing how Ellie feels, taking the time to process it and realizing inside that he wants to do right by Ellie. That awakening as a father, where you value your children’s feelings over your own and the truth is that Ellie won’t be okay if he leaves her, if he abandons her and that becomes more important to him than his fear of losing her. He still has that fear, he will carry that fear with him for the rest of his life because that’s part of what it means to be a parent, but there’s a compassionate, warm part of him that’s overriding his fears, keeping them from dictating his actions in a way that would harm the person he cares about and that is SO HUMAN, so deeply parental and beautiful.

[@davidedwards1705]

10:51 If Pedro does not get an Emmy for this scene I'll be personally offended on his behalf. Stellar acting.

[@JasperAyeee]

Pedro+Bella's acting in this episode in particular....... unreal. also, Georgia, your watch is broken 😭

[@GeorgiaDow]

Ha you noticed = )) made my day

[@jayfleming1169]

​@@GeorgiaDow hi there is jay Fleming from the bronx new York how are you doing I have a personality disorder I had dreams but when my dad died I feel heartbroken

[@m3rrys0ngstr3ss]

I remember reading somewhere that there are actually four adrenaline responses - fight, flight, freezing or fawning - and what gets people in trouble is exactly what happened with Joel in the scene with the dog - they don't realize until too late that their response is now freezing instead of fighting.

[@nathangordon4891]

‘Fight, flight, freeze or appease’

[@KevinDooley420]

I like how you were almost mad at Joel on his behalf, when he's beating himself up for what he cannot control (and for what he can control, being very unkind to himself). Apparently a common refrain on set with Pedro was the showrunner saying to him "Joel is not that smart." Poor dude just doesn't have the toolset.

[@KevinDooley420]

I think that also weirdly reflects on why so many people find Pedro Pascal as an individual attractive--dude does have that toolset. He's a vulnerable guy (and yes, he's hot). Funny, the idea that he has to make a real effort to forget it to get into Joel's headspace.

[@trinaq]

I really love how accurately this show depicts trauma responses. The writers of Velma could definitely learn a thing or two from them!

[@Juggninja24]

Don't encourage them. They'll find a way to turn it into a bad joke.

[@nimz8521]

I have trauma from what I've seen of that show

[@Juggninja24]

@@nimz8521 😂

[@fessef1791]

Puss in boots 2 done better

[@internaut4257]

writers of velma should find another job, maybe mcdonalds is hiring

[@okashiad6930]

This really is accurate. My anxiety attacks feel like a sharp pain near my heart which makes it so hard to breathe and trying to take deep breathes makes the pain stab. Thankfully I was able to learn about it and realize what stresses me out and avoid those stressors.

[@GeorgiaDow]

yes they did a great job with the scene

[@JohnLoKie]

One of my first panic attacks made me so anxious that I called for an ambulence thinking it was a heart attack. I am also bipolar so my fight or flight response is already overly sensitive due to childhood trauma. Is there a way to tell the difference between a panic vs heart attack in the moment?

[@dabigsuge]

Panic attacks are one of the hardest things to cope with for me, I couldn’t even imagine the severity of Joel’s

[@chuckb8514]

Great video. I like the fact that the Joel is able to show Tommy his vulnerability. I thought it was a great scene. Bella and Pedro are amazing in the following scene.

[@Noleti77]

I have PTSD so I knew what Joel was experiencing. I have had both anxiety and panic attacks. Panic I would say is far worse. I'm dying vs I could be in danger are very different thought patterns but the physical reaction is the same. Pedro is such a great actor. I could feel and sympathize with what he was going through.

[@primoguerrero7928]

Can we pause for a moment and congratulate the actors on their performance, we are talking about the natural response to trauma and anxiety like we are not watching some people "pretend" something bad is happening; show writers and creators too! I applaud everyone from Playstation, NaughtyDog, HBO and specially thank Neil Druckmann for creating such a complex, compelling, humane story within an overabused genre like zombies. Bravo!!

[@damianstarks3338]

I felt seriously bad for Joel when this happened to him.

[@animeman84]

Me too-though I’m glad they made Joel somewhat relatable to the majority of us by experiencing actual emotions

[@archeryguy1701]

So what did you think about Joel coming right out and telling Tommy why he needed to let him take Ellie instead of just leaving it all to subtext and inference like in the game? Thought that was a fantastic monologue by Pedro laying out what he's scared of and what he's going through.

[@LucasDimoveo]

I'm hoping that she would talk about this too

[@Barny5ive]

The panic attack portrayal is really accurate. I suffered a health-related crisis around Christmas last year and dealt with panic attacks for months afterwards during recovery. It was one thing when I had a task to focus on but when I was alone, or it was a really inconvenient time it could be really rough. I suffered one while attending a NHL game, and you wouldn't think you'd be able to count how many beats per minute your heart is making in the middle of all of that, but I remember the quiet zone-in feeling in that moment in particular being just like the show. Doing much better now, lost over 60lbs and feeling much more like myself again. Talking about it with some trusted people helped a lot.

[@onemantis]

I'm not sure how relevant this is to a panic attack, but I remember being very afraid of public speaking in high school, so much so that I would skip out on projects and just take a failing grade. One day, while doing a presentation I admitted to the audience that I was currently terrified of speaking to them. What happened next was completely unexpected, suddenly all of the anxiety I had just washed away. I haven't been afraid of public speaking since then.

[@dominicdevore2570]

Trust me, it’s very relevant to a panic attack. I know the feeling all too well

[@jennyleegreen1395]

​@Dominic DeVore yeah I have family and friends who have panic attacks. I would ask them "are you okay?" Have them take the time they need to pull together, and ask "what were you feeling? When do you think they started? Is it been triggered by thoughts, see, smell, hearing, feeling" like going through the elimination process in order to find ways to reduce panic attacks because it can get worst if you don't get a hold of them.

[@indiefaerie]

Just wanted to say that I love watching your videos after every episode, especially when they address topics like this that the internet and general society like to scoff at and make memes about and dismiss as weak. Your empathy is really important and relatable and I appreciate you. 💜

[@GeorgiaDow]

thank you your kindness and taking the time to share

[@RidireOiche]

For panic attacks isn't it: give them space and depending on the intensity of the panic attack, wait with them without judgement careful not to rush them and add to their overwhelmed mental state. Ask soft questions with a tactile or positive emotional basis like what is the last movie you watched? would you recommend it? what is a hobby you like? what is the last thing you ate? describe the texture of something they are already holding? can you name a noise you can hear? name something you can smell? name three colour/shape things in the room? what is your favourite tv show? music? sport? what do you like to do to relax? Silly little questions that catch the panicking person's attentions off guard to momentarily distract from the panic attack and break its hold. Obviously don't bombard them with questions and you let them get their answer out before asking something else. This works but if it turns out this method is really bad for the panicking person in the long run, I may be in trouble.

[@Matthewrents]

It’s almost scary how good the movies and tv shows are getting at showing these different scenarios and how accurate they can be

[@rinehardt6837]

I thought this was an amazing episode. Too many shows show characters getting into misadventures or traumatic things happen and they just brush over. Joel lost the child that’s not something you just get over and the sad thing is he’s never dealt with the death of Sarah, he’s just buried deep down. That’s why he doesn’t want to have any memory of her he just wants to basically pretend it never happened. Just like he started to a test where he asked how Tessa doing he just brushes over it and says she’s fine. Glad TV is finally taking mental health seriously and incorporating it into storylines.

[@CamsterSauce]

I love the Last of Us because it’s relatable with character development that we all can put ourselves into, with every single moment regardless of how big it is. I lost my mom a year ago from liver failure, after ending the relationship with an argument. I spent 10 years trying to find a replacement but there’s so much loss I’ve endured over the years. Ellie’s tattoo in LOU2 was a symbolic representation of peace for me which is why I got it done on the anniversary of my mom passing away.

[@Dularr]

I enjoy how this episode establish the massive danger traveling west. With Joel having a physical response to the upcoming danger.

[@jubilantsleep]

I had a panic attack once in my life at the airport after leaving the love of my life (now my husband) to move back to another state and I didn't know when I'd see him again. It was the most frightening feeling I ever had. I didn't even understand what was happening. I just felt dizzy, broke into sweats, and my heart felt like it was pounding. I heard that sound, too.

[@NoOdL3z18]

Pretty accurate representation. I have PTSD and used to have a lot of panic attacks a couple years ago, though I've gotten a lot better at controlling it. Instead of a ringing sound in my ears, it's almost identical to the sound of a running faucet. My heart rate and blood pressure also explodes from the adrenaline which compounds the issue, I become hyper aware of my heartbeat and everything around me. It's usually accompanied by heart flutters, chest and back pains. It always came out of nowhere too. I could be happy one second and the next second I am absolutely sure that I'm going to die. I've been to the ER a few times because of it, lost a job and blew all of my savings, about $12,000, on medical tests that found nothing physically wrong with me.

[@nickolaszissimos1189]

Yes, Joel really needed to get all that out, he confided in his brother, the one person he trusts over anyone else. I know that dark place of fear, it can be brought to me by being in Ni Ti mode for too long. You overthink about this and it brings you down, you feel you won't be able to do this or that. The mental stress becomes too overwhelming for you, you start breaking down. Of course, I haven't gone through all of a zombie apocalypse and seen the stuff Joel has. That would be traumatic in itself.

[@squallidus]

Georgia you're the greatest. This was a key thing different from the game. Panic attacks. Such a great analysis. You're the greatest

[@Dlsturbedfan]

I wish exposure therapy was easier to get help with. Most therapists I've met are only willing to do things within their office. It's obvious that it is due for safety concerns but this makes it really difficult to get quality help when the fear is severe.

[@Riquiricon]

There is something I want to share that has to do with panic attacks and PTSD experience. When I was around 15 years old, I was robbed in a family business by 3 people who were armed and I was beaten and threatened while they took things that my family worked hard to have. I am now 28 years old, and about 5 years ago I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism or Graves' disease. while I had the disease, now I am in a recession for a few years, but while I had the disease I suffered from anxiety, panic attacks and alcoholism, I drank to try to relax the feelings I had. For those who don't know, hyperthyroidism makes your organs work twice as fast as a healthy and normal organ, so almost every day for years I suffered from tachycardia, sometimes they gave me up to 140 bpm for hours without being able to control it, this fear that It gave me when I suffered panic attacks, they made me believe that I was going to have a heart attack or that I was going to die and that big fear began to create agoraphobia in public places and even going out, thanks to the agoraphobia I isolated myself at home for about 8 months without doing anything, while I continued to suffer attacks, and I did nothing but think, I ended up with clinical depression (I went to therapy). I couldn't sleep well, because the psychologist told me that it was ptsd for the time they had assaulted me. and well along with everything else, it was a ticking time bomb. I am one of the people who keep things too. and with all that I suffered in those times, my behavior was violent. So I understand the process that this character Joel goes through and how close and realistic they are able to portray him in the show, a lot of people are treating Joel as a fragile person, but I think that on the contrary, he is a man with toxic masculinity who does not He talks about his feelings until he's on the brink and everything explodes. To this day i still suffer i think of PTSD, i dont sleep well, sometimes i wake up screaming or afraid, until i control myself, but now Im healthy physic and mentally, and I quit alcohol, so It is important that people take care of their mental health and seek help before it becomes more difficult to treat. all the best.

[@gameboi360]

I had a panic attack recently due to a recent death and grief and that scene hit hard... Really humanises Joel.

[@wesleycolvin7158]

I honestly hadn't considered that I'd been experiencing panic attacks due to living under abusive circumstances. The stress was always there, so I just assumed it was a response to a hostile environment. That realization hadn't hit me until I had to go back to location where it all happened. I was diagnosed with PTSD shortly after that.

[@K_Pyle]

I very much found Joel this episode relatable with the way he blames himself for all the things that have gone wrong that were completely out of his control. I know I shouldn't blame myself for things that I can't control or what I could do would be of little difference but I can't help it.

[@GeriatricGamer]

Oooh, been waiting for this!!! Diving in!!

[@marvinmartin4692]

I’ve suffered from panic attacks for decades! And my head is just spinning and I have to run! Or drive and just get away! And it’s very very powerful! It took me decades to recognize it! I don’t know about anyone else or what works. It takes me a few hours to come back. But when in it happens there’s no Magic trick to get over it!

[@Kristers_K]

Lovely. I suspect you will love the next episode, a lot of psychology to analyze there given the nature of the episode :)

[@LoadedGunn47]

I always felt that Joel deep down feels shame that all his years of survival through violence have allowed him to vent his anger and anxiety on the hostile world around him rather than feel scared and helpless, and because of that, he’s grown to enjoy being good at it.

[@Blackdemon91939]

I have seizures and they gave me a device to slow them down ( the last 2 weeks I started to get panic attacks , and the other day when the results of my eeg came out my dr was like " you were literally dead when I had the seizures and swiped "

[@Z0mb3hHunt3r]

They did it so well, especially the first one. Asking her to stop, light changes, muscles tighten, hearing rings as the b.p rises, overwhelming chest pain/strained breathing from oxygenating. I suffer from CPTSD and Acute Panic Disorder multiple acute panic attacks daily before therapy/psychologists helped, 1 a day now :)!

[@kingsgrave_]

as someone that experiences panic attacks and PTSD, thankfully haven't had one in a long time, they did almost too good of a job depicting it lmao. it immediately made me uncomfortable and I had to pause the episode every time it happened.

[@Startupsandsushi]

The high pitched sound whining in the background is cinematic metaphor for a panic attack coming up for Joel

[@waynegoodman3345]

I recently was hospitalised with a life threatening heart problem as a result I now suffer with anxiety and panic attacks.It's horrible you are in a constant feeling of dread it's like your body is in constant state of high alert even before an actual panic attack.

[@dustynduncan8757]

I just found your channel, and I have to say this is what we need. I did not fully understand what he was going through. I thought maybe micro heart attacks, THANKYOU.

[@dominicdevore2570]

Really felt that scene to the core. Been suffering panic attacks for years but only now do I recognize them as such

[@work1284]

love you, Georgia, you deserve thousands and thousands and thousands more followers.

[@GeorgiaDow]

aww thanks < 3

[@pinkerhero]

Miss DOW this was so rich and impactful for me, I have a lot to say AHH- ♥ reminders and helpful bits: ♥ 5:41 what to do through an attack; (i'd thought of reassuring _safety_ before, but addressing it's not a dangerous situation-eliminating unknowns-appears far more direct) 7:05 self-reflection influences adrenaline levels; (i didn't even CONSIDER but makes sense!) 9:37 "we do the best that we can with the tools and the situation that's in front of us." (especially if we've never experienced said situation before) 10:47 "Feeling something is the honest and real way to be." (welled my eyes on impact) 11:10 "-going through trauma is going to have an effect on you. That doesn't make you weak; That makes you *human* ." (!! I so greatly appreciate you didn't say strong!! or weak!! or assign any value to it but humanity!! that's it, that's the truth~!! we're allowed to be AFFECTED!!) 14:30 journaling, self-expression, creative, therapist; (encouragement to write, validation for my creating) 14:54 "It might be the right answer, but it's the wrong reason." (yes, i want autonomy over my actions) You are wonderfully gifted at generalizing accurate information with kindness that reaches my heart. Thank you so so much again.

[@GeorgiaDow]

thank you for this = )) so kind of you

[@krusesarah]

This is awesome. Thank you for breaking it down for us. It really is something we should discuss more. And Pedro Pascal is perfect at showing all of that on screen. I'm obsessed.

[@zackwalker1789]

Idk why but I love the way you say words like "time." Idk if that's an accent or just how you pronounce that i sound, but for some reason it just feels very satisfying to hear

[@JDP5127]

I have been waiting for this, and you did not disappoint. Thank you!

[@screeewu]

Georgia, I am so glad I've discovered your channel! I really like all of your analysis and I would appreciate you covering Ellie's trauma of loosing Joel and the way it affected her life in general and her relationship with Dina specifically. The story of TLOU2 hurt me and left so many questions unanswered (the main one: could've Ellie actually continued her life in peace and leave a normal and happy life with Dina and JJ or it was all just too much too soon?) that it would mean a lot for me if you cover these topics from your perspective with all the expertise you have!

[@GTSalih]

Finally, Every time I finish an episode the next thing I look forward to your video about it

[@GeorgiaDow]

sorry I was a bit late =))

[@GTSalih]

It’s all good, worth the wait, Great Video. 😊

[@nommo110]

You should have seen what they write on Russian speaking websites about this episode. I thought there's something wrong with me cause I understood Joel in the show, I understood the way he felt. He's been through a lot and for me his feelings were more than realistic. But I thought I was the only one having those thoughts. So thanks for this video, really

[@kate.roky5]

When I have panic attacks it feels like I'm dying is it different for everyone?

[@aninspiredlife17]

I just started a job and it was my first time on the register (3rd day) I started to feel like I couldn’t breathe, and then I felt like the walls were closing in, I saw my coworkers laughing and enjoying themselves and I felt like an outsider. I felt like my new coworkers were judging (they may not have been) but I just felt like i was doing everything wrong. I kept forgetting to ask things at the register and I couldn’t find any of the buttons to charge the customer. I asked to use the bathroom to try to calm down. But as soon as I went to the bathroom I couldn’t breathe and I felt like I was choking, I just wanted to run away and I felt so much fear. I had to go back and tell my managers that I was having a panic attack and that I needed to go home. Everytime I start a new job, I get severe anxiety attacks and end up quitting. What made me get a panic attack is because when I started my shift I had no idea what I was supposed to be doing, I knew I needed to bus tables and clean and restock the lobby area. After I did that, my coworker said it was time for me to be on the register for the first time (3rd day). I was feeling about halfway confident, and I assumed I would feel more comfortable after the first few customers and I was feeling fine. As the line kept going people were asking for complicated orders and I couldn’t find the buttons on the register to charge them, I was also starting to forget additional questions that I needed to ask them, like if they are dining in, and for their name. Then a girl came up to register, she was impatient (understandable) because I was taking so long ringing her up and after I took her order. I felt like I couldn’t breathe, the tunnel vision kicked in, I excused myself to the bathroom because at this point I knew I was having a meltdown. I stayed in the bathroom for at least 20 minutes and couldn’t stop crying. I’m not just watching videos about panic and anxiety so I can try to figure out how to fix this problem because the panic is so intense and I can’t not work due to financial obligations like everyone else! We all have to work. Unfortunately, I have so much anxiety when it comes to a fear of looking dumb, being judged and not knowing the answer to things, and being perceived as slow. These are labels I’ve heard most of my life. The cherry on top was when the manager said I needed to yell, speak louder, be more confident, and not shy. I totally wish I could be like that! It would be lucky day or lucky life if I was naturally loud and extroverted, I would be so happy if that was my nature. I have to really force myself out of my shy box, but when I go outside my comfort zone I completely have a meltdown and I have panic attacks. Also, it’s just the aftermath embarrassment I have to deal with for having a panic attack at work and multiple people being aware of it makes me just cringe at myself!

[@NellyVanilly]

You’re the only person online who can explain things the way that I feel them! I’m a good listener and I love helping others, but sometimes it gets so overwhelming because it’s not easy for me to open up in return and I just want to hide alone and cry! Yet I keep helping and bottle a lot inside .. tysm for your videos they mean much more to us than you think!I do not feel alone when I listen to you ♥️

[@GeorgiaDow]

That means so much to me. It is so happy as that is what I hope my channel to be.

[@Eckister]

after the past few years I think most people have come to understand what a panic attack is like, so thank you for this summation!

[@asahnmusic]

thank u for these videos Georgia Dow- I love how honest & insightful your reactions to this series are. So cool from one fan to another of both TLOU and Psychology

[@GeorgiaDow]

Glad you like them!

[@billystark3105]

You should do some looks at peaky blinders, I just finished it recently and it'd interesting to get a professional look at some characters psyche's

[@cinemike8207]

Awesome analysis. Only note is that I got the impression that the drugs were for Franks illness because we see Bill giving him what looked like the same pills. So I think Joel was their supplier and not taking them himself.

[@lorpsandorps3729]

They literally show him taking pills.

[@cinemike8207]

@@lorpsandorps3729 Cool it must have been a moment where I was distracted. Can you tell me what part he takes the pills? I'm not asking in any way to challenge you but just to go back and watch it to be caught up.

[@anigerdraconia9335]

@@cinemike8207 First episode. Joel finds out that Tommy still doesn't answer. He returns to the apartment, plans a trip, drinks alcohol, takes pills, then falls asleep.

[@DavidEVNPR]

Joel is every man ever in our daily lives 😔

[@thatHARVguy]

I didn't like the admission of weakness either. The rest of the scene was great. As for the resolution of the episode, I preferred the game version. It was Joel who decided to take control and deal with his mental situation. It was Joel who decided he can't put Tommy (husband and father) in danger.

[@classicslover]

I don't think it was his admission of weakness that Georgia objected to. As she explained, it was that he was condemning himself for his "weakness". Admitting weakness is a strength.

[@thatHARVguy]

@@classicslover That makes more sense.

[@NerdyBeardedCanadian]

I don't know which video you really drive home this grounding technique but I've used your "there is no tiger" phrase a lot this past week and I can't even describe how helpful this is. So thank you, I greatly appreciate the content you post and the clear effort that goes into it 😊

[@GeorgiaDow]

I am so happy that it works for you and thank you for taking the time to let me know = )

[@Scott_Forsell]

The first time I had a panic attack I thought I was having a heart attack. My heart rate was through the roof. I was hyperventalating so hard. In my head I was desperately trying to reel it back in. I was on a bus at roughly 2 AM. I had been at work since 8 AM. That had been my schedule for months. Working on a tech project during crunch time. My output was somebody else's input so I was obligated to perform per the project plan. 80 to 110 hour weeks for 6 months. Every day, same shit, same pressure, new task list. I desperately willed myself to calm, to breathe, to control, but it had entered the runaway train phase of control and my consciousness was along for the ride and my body and limbic system took over. I tried so hard to rein in my hyperventilation and failed. Passengers nearby started freaking out. At my behavior. I was clearly not well. Somebody yelled out to the bus driver. Tried to stand up and crumpled. Wait. Cop cars. Ambulance. Ride. ER. DISASTER!!! I [bleep]ed up 60-80 people's night by freaking out on a bus. Which weighed on me both during and after. I felt immense shame for being weak, for seeming weak, for exhibiting weakness, for [bleep]ing up a whole bus load of peoples' night out. I felt intense shame for what I had done. I felt and knew that everyone saw me lose control and judged me for it. Everyone saw. I felt immense shame so, after, I withdrew.

[@nicolev990]

Last year I had a therapist who, when I asked her what a panic attack felt like, she said I’d know if I’d had one. Funnily enough, after more research, I think I’ve had several panic attacks, I’ve just never linked them to being panic attacks because I didn’t know what a panic attack felt like. When I was younger and struggling with parent issues, I used to occasionally get a rush of adrenaline, stabbing sensations and blurry eyesight on my bus ride home. Since it was fairly sunny out, I attributed it to being some sort of heat stroke and it would go away after I had a drink of water and layed down for a bit. I still wasn’t entirely sure those were panic attacks until recently when I had one in an entirely different situation. This time I was leaving a crowded area and I got a ringing sensation in my ears (like Joel in this episode). All of a sudden it felt like the person in front of me was walking way too slow and it took everything in me not to push them to the side and run for it.

[@classicslover]

Spectacularly wise, informative and valuable video yet again, Georgia! You're aware I have what has been called a "powerful penchant for encountering dangerous situations" = ) You also know those aren't the things that traumatize me. Emotional pain for me has never revolved around being traumatized by the death of a loved one. I have lost loved ones to death, but you also know I believe that separation to only be temporary. Being hurt by people who say/are supposed to love me...them KNOWING the most excruciating way to torture and hurt me and then gleefully doing it. That is the trauma that cripples. BUT...for some odd reason it doesn't affect my reactions to physical danger. Something in me keeps them separate. I also take my pain straight up: no drinking or drugs. NO casual meaningless sex. I don't even eat my feelings. Anymore. = ) Been having to relive the emotional trauma for reasons lately, but some ultra wise superhero redhead psychotherapist told me about taking it all on in smaller five minute segments. Then it will get easier. She's the leader of the Club that's made for you and me! Geo-rgia...D-O-Double-U! = )

[@comicandothercons658]

great video Georgia, 👍love your "TLOU Joel Watch!!!" 😉

[@GeorgiaDow]

Thanks! 😀 means so much that you noticed

[@chance.h4249]

I really enjoy your videos! Have you watched Downton Abbey? It's such a great show, with really in depth characters! I would love hearing your take and analysis on the series.

[@jaxsgamesiguess9731]

Ive had only one panic attack so far in my life when i was very young, one late Tuesday night me and my step family of my two brothers and sis and step ma were watching Netflix believe we we’re starting “the 100” series and I had grown anxious waiting for my dad to come home from work, his late night shifts were nothing new not in all of my years of consciousness living with him. Yet I persisted on thinking of him till another 1 hours and a half later my breathing shuddered and hearing panned from ear to ear a tightness enveloped my lungs but I couldn’t grasp what was happening I cried scared what strange thing over came my body to hurt itself my step ma laid me down on the carpet floor and in her calmest voice focused me to breathe and ask what was wrong after I regained my strength i just asked to call my dad she did and I stayed on a call with him until he came home soon after

[@AddlerMartin]

Georgia did the slightest cosplay with the _Zombie Apocalypse survival t-shirt_ only :)

[@parappasan]

Great discussion of the panic/anxiety attack and how to relate it to one's own situation. It's kind of jarring to wander from a slew of typical youtuber reactions on the episode, to a more deliberative discussion here, but welcome.

[@MenineSucks]

I wish you were my therapist

[@greyw3aver]

great video, thank you! if possible i'd also love to see your analysis of the Fallout movie

[@grimm516]

Hmmm, I don't remember if I have had a panic attack? Well thank you for your video enjoy 😉 your day

[@GeorgiaDow]

You would know if you did = ) thanks grimm

[@BimmerWon]

I need help. Are these panic attacks? I’ve been getting a lot of what I think are panic attacks recently over the past 2 months after a string of several experiences where I thought for sure I was going to die. At least I think they are panic attacks but I’m not sure. Often times in the middle of the night I’ll go from dead asleep with no dreams to wide awake instantaneously where my vision is blurry and I can hear my heartbeat in the back of my head. I’ll feel very anxious and experience a lot of worried thoughts because I don’t know why I feel this way so I use my phone to distract myself until it passes. When I’m awake, especially while showering, my mind will just start racing and several different negative thought trains will just flood my head all at once and crash together forming a Frankenstein’s monster of incoherent thoughts. It’s overwhelming and my vision goes blurry and I feel dizzy. I feel a lot of guilt, regret, anger, and especially anxiety the strongest when this happens. Most of the time when it starts there never seems to even be a trigger though and it also doesn’t seem like my heart beat increases so idk if it’s even a panic attack. I can feel my heartbeat in my head when this happens but it doesn’t feel like it increases. I’ll also feel a bit jittery and my muscles will tense up some. I get really bad brain fog and it feels almost like what I’m experiencing isn’t real but maybe more like a bad dream. This feeling lasts for hours and sometimes days. It’s very rare that I ever feel normal. I think it gets worse when I’m tired. I always notice the physical symptoms before I notice feeling anxious. I think the physical symptoms are what makes me anxious. Anyone know what this is?

[@Quiet_One]

Kind of sounds like a panic attack but you should definitely ask a doctor because you mentioned some symptoms that I'm not sure are connected with panic attacks. But I don't know for sure, I'm just a person who has panic attacks, I don't read up on the symptoms. One tip I'll give you, if your vision goes blurry or you get dizzy, in the shower or anywhere else, sit down. Falling and breaking your neck and/or getting a concussion is not another problem you need.

[@TaliVarda100706]

If you need help, get help from a professional, not a youtube comment section please its for your own good.

[@zerodawn0994]

have been wondering where you've been!! super happy to see this is finally up! hope you've been good

[@blurrble5]

Would love to see a video on Riley from the Last of Us!

[@Gilleban]

It's better to hear it from a therapist like Georgia, but a lot of this was covered in Ly. Col Dave Grossman's book "On Killing", that it's not just "fight or flight" anymore but a whole range of reactions people have to conflict...there are also posturing and submission reactions that a person can go through depending on how serious we think a threat is rather than attacking "'nads to the wall" or running for dear life. If you do decide to read this particular book (compared to Georgia's info it's a little out of date...in fact in the last few chapters, his feelings about music and video games have been outright debunked), but it's still a good read.

[@julianmehlmann2996]

Was also done well in Ted Lasso

[@coladict]

Welcome to "Emotional Trauma" episode 6! The whole game and show leaves you scarred every time.

[@Zikkar]

If you want a Panic attack episode you should watch Puss in Boots 2 that movie lends itself to at least 3-4 videos that you do.

[@under-chonker]

Could you react to God of War Ragnarok? It has domestic abuse and loss of family members and what these things do to people

[@Boosted_aj]

if you are experiencing anxiety and consume nicotine.... Well your making it worse. 3 weeks nic free and i physically feel better already. Hope someone takes this message and turns around.

[@tylerboyce4081]

Panic attacks are awful. You feel like you're on the verge of having a heart attack, so you're just constantly bracing yourself for the pain and for your breathing to suddenly stop.

[@chupchupman5859]

Can you do these kind of videos for books too? If so could you do it about The Stranger by Albert Camus?. Thx

[@matthewsparks8821]

He is that age for a major MI , under that much stress. I have friends I served with that have human and metal sharpnel from a mortars and VBIEDs. And none ptsd everyone from OEF, OIF Syria..everyone so quick to say ptsd now.

[@Kevbot6000]

I know you normally do TV shows but I think it would be great if you did a video on Puss in Boots. It doesn’t seem like it on the surface but the movie has themes about the fear of death, trust issues, trauma, and found family. There is even a panic attack in the movie as well that’s represented amazingly for a family movie. I hope you consider it or at least give it a watch since it’s very good 😊

[@Hungover52]

Just wondering if you can do a video about how there's more than just 'fight or flight' and add 'fawn', 'freeze', etc. into the mix. People really seem to buy into the binary reaction, when it is not that simple.

[@heitorthewizard]

Once I've learned a panic attack is just uncomfortable, but not dangerous, I stopped having it gradually

[@ericmiller93]

I am the one who knocks.

[@Zebwak]

Joel knew Bill and Frank for 10+ years, so he’d have trauma from their loss too.

[@craiganderson5813]

What's the difference between a panic & anxiety attack?

[@aWywardWyvern]

The way I’ve seen other therapists online explain it is that a panic attack is a sudden burst of that fight or flight response, with no perceived trigger or near by danger. Anxiety attacks are when you have some thought that’s causing you anxiety, your body responds to the anxiety with adrenaline, that rush of adrenaline scares you even more because if your body’s reacting surely there is danger. That cycle feeds itself and the anxiety reaches the point of panic.

[@johnberryconwayiii7071]

I disagree a bit, I trash talk myself into calmness often when I'm having a panic attack. I tell myself I have no idea what real adversity is, and that if I'm ever going to confront it I'll need to be able to get through the current situation. It does help.

[@inspectre27]

If you have panic attacks, see a therapist sooner rather than later or it could develop into something worse. Like agoraphobia. Which sucks.

[@Cenourafnord]

Amei o vídeo como de costume, mas teve uma parte que doeu quando ela falou de reconhecer quais são os gatilhos para ansiedade. Parece que está mais fácil responder o que NÃO é gatilho para ansiedade. (seus vídeos não são :D)

[@paulbrigham359]

One doesn't need to outrun the bear, they only have to be faster then their fellow hikers.

[@Ginger_Tank]

Please do a reaction video to Kratos from God of War 2018 and Ragnarok

[@jocampo9435]

Joel never talked to a therapist after his daughter was killed,,, I believe he started murdering people and buried his trauma for 20 years, so now Ellie has forced him to relive & deal with his trauma

[@PsychoSpiral]

I seriously thought he was having a heart attack. It's tough for me to recognize the difference.

[@angeliquevanbrakel467]

Hey, I was wondering if I can make a request for you to react to Netflix's new series Lockwood and co after your done with your other planned videos