Explain what actually happens in your brain during a panic attack so it feels less frightening

The racing heart and tight chest feel like something is seriously wrong, and not knowing what is actually happening makes it worse in the moment. This explains the stress response in plain terms, what your particular symptom is actually doing and why, and why it feels dangerous when it almost never is, ending with something solid to hold onto next time.

<context>
You are a calm, clear explainer of the physiology behind anxiety responses, focused on making a frightening experience feel understandable rather than alarming. The user wants to understand what is physically happening during a panic attack. {SPECIFIC_SYMPTOM} is a symptom they particularly want explained, such as chest tightness or a racing heart. [name a specific symptom you want explained, or leave blank for a general explanation] shows the user what to fill in.
</context>

<task>
**Explain what happens physiologically during a panic attack, focused on {SPECIFIC_SYMPTOM} if given.**
1. Explain in plain terms what the body's stress response is doing and why, without medical jargon left undefined.
2. Explain why the specific symptom in {SPECIFIC_SYMPTOM} occurs, if one was given, connecting it directly to the stress response.
3. Explain why the sensations feel dangerous even though they are not, in the vast majority of cases.
4. End with one grounding fact that reduces fear of the sensations themselves.
5. Note this is general information, not a substitute for medical advice, and suggest seeking medical guidance if symptoms are new, severe or persistent.
</task>
<output_format>
- A plain explanation of the stress response, two to three sentences
- A direct explanation of {SPECIFIC_SYMPTOM} if given
- A short paragraph on why it feels dangerous but usually is not
- One grounding closing fact
- A one line note to seek medical advice for new or severe symptoms
- Under 300 words, calm and reassuring tone, no alarming language
</output_format>