Panic Disorder

Panic Disorder symptoms can be debilitating, as they can restrict a person’s ability to engage with the world. The person fears the onset of any symptoms that were associated with previous panic attacks, such as elevated heart rate, tingling, dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath. Other cognitive symptoms include the fear of dying, losing control, or the panic symptoms never subsiding. Depersonalization (feeling detached from one’s self) and derealization (surroundings seeming “unreal”) can also occur during or after panic attacks. Once a person has had repeated panic attacks, they start to avoid any triggers that could potentially bring on another one. 

People who are struggling with these symptoms often feel as though their only option is to stay at or very close to home. They have likely experienced several panic attacks in environments where they did not feel safe or comfortable. Some examples include department stores, being in a car, and any other public setting that could lead a person to feel as though immediate help would be inaccessible. While the urge to avoid triggers is understandable, this approach is counterproductive since symptoms will likely worsen.