According to a CNN article, an unusual scene in the swashbuckling DreamWorks comedy Puss in Boots: The Last Wish has psychologists and viewers talking. In this sequel to the Shrek spinoff, Puss in Boots sets off to restore eight of the nine lives he’s spent so far, meeting each challenge with a heaping dose of self-confidence, courage, and his inimitable style. However, at one point, he loses faith in himself, and panic and fear overwhelm him.

The character experiences a panic attack, as his heart begins racing and he’s forced to lie down, while his trusty sidekick therapy dog Perrito notices his distress and comfortingly places his head on the feline’s tummy so he can pet him and breathe until the wave of anxiety passes.

The scene “is resonating with many viewers for its depiction of what it feels like to have a panic attack – and the relief of coming out the other side.” Psychologists are praising the film for its honest depiction of a phenomenon that many have experienced.

What is a panic attack – and what does it feel like?

A panic attack is essentially “a wave of powerful, physical fear that feels overwhelming,” according to David Carbonell, a clinical psychologist specializing in fear and phobias. Someone experiencing a panic attack may feel their heart racing or have trouble breathing, while others experience lightheadedness and a tingling feeling in extremities. But the common denominator is suffocating fear, often out of proportion to the circumstances you are facing.

Lynn Bufka, a clinician and associate chief of practice transformation at the American Psychological Association, compared a panic attack to a terrifying encounter with a rattlesnake –– which would trigger a powerful physiological response to danger –– but without any obvious cause. The fact that it seemingly comes out of nowhere can make a panic attack even scarier, she explained.

“A panic attack is often imperceptible to everyone except the person experiencing them,” said both clinicians, “but in the moment, a panic attack can feel like a catastrophic event, even if it doesn’t look like one on the outside.”

How do you deal with a panic attack?

Seeing a depiction on screen is good for children and parents, as “it just really helps to normalize that this happens, and that you can recover,” said Bufka.

The dog’s quiet, present support is an excellent example of how to come alongside someone having a panic attack. Being a calm, grounding presence is key, as “you want to undercut the panic and bring it back down to reasonable proportions,” Carbonell explained, without overwhelming them with suggestions.

He explained that fighting against a panic attack can only “elongate and worsen it.” Perhaps counterintuitively, he said that welcoming it and letting it pass, then rediscovering a sense of calm is often the quickest way through.

Buftka added that the film provides a comforting model for children and parents alike. Fear and anxiety are part of life, and it is possible to confront them and get safely to the other side. Everyone struggles with anxiety in some form or other in their lifetime.

“People don’t always have the language for their emotions,” she said. “But it’s important to have it onscreen, because it helps people feel seen, recognized and not alone.”

Read the full article here.

Andrew, Scottie. “‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’ shows what a panic attack can feel like. Here’s why that’s important.” CNN.com, 21 Jan 2023, https://www.cnn.com/2023/01/21/entertainment/puss-in-boots-panic-attack-wellness-cec

Image by DreamWorks