Yes. You are right when you said there's no need to panic because bitcoin is volatile and it is normal for it to pump and dump in the market. But selling bitcoin is not a stupid decision especially when it is an emergency and you need to have fiat money for financial assistance. What it makes it stupid is when you sell and spend your bitcoin for nothing like things that you do not need but you want.
why sell if you dont want it? of course people sell because they need the money And that is also the reason on why most people do always panic sell and they dont really mind it if the current value of bitcoin is decreasing or not. so overall selling bitcoin is not really a stupid decision as long as you have a purpose or a valid reason on why would you sell it. however , hodling is still more beneficial because you do help both yourself and other bitcoin users to earn and raise the value of bitcoin.