A person experiencing Happy Heart Panic at a concert, for example, won’t say, “I’m too happy.” They will say, “I think I’m having a medical emergency. Get me out.” To illustrate, consider “Sarah” (a composite of many therapy clients). Sarah had worked for years to overcome social anxiety. She met a kind partner, planned a small wedding, and felt ready. At the reception, during her first dance, the DJ played her favorite song. Looking into her husband’s eyes, she felt a wave of pure, untainted joy.
You’ve finally reached a moment you’ve been waiting for. The promotion is yours. The wedding day has arrived. The vacation of a lifetime is underway. By every logical measure, you should be feeling euphoric. happy heart panic
It is the cruel paradox of feeling your heart race with excitement, only for your brain to mislabel that racing heart as a sign of a heart attack or impending doom. A person experiencing Happy Heart Panic at a