I can still remember the first time it occurred. As I sat in a bustling café, sipping my coffee, my heart suddenly sprang into rhythm. My hands became cold, my eyesight got blurry, and I couldn’t catch my breath. It was then that I began to wonder, what is panic disorder? I believed that I was on the verge of dying.
I can still remember the first time it occurred. As I sat in a bustling café, sipping my coffee, my heart suddenly sprang into rhythm. My hands became cold, my eyesight got blurry, and I couldn’t catch my breath. I believed that I was on the verge of dying.
That was the first time I had a panic attack.
I didn’t realize it at the time, but I was having panic disorder, which is when you feel sudden, overpowering terror even when there is no genuine risk. For months, I was afraid of the next assault and didn’t understand why my mind was betraying me.
Today, I’m going to tell you my experience. In addition to elucidating the nature of panic disorder, I aim to reassure you of your support and the possibility of recovery.
Please Enjoy Reading anxiety-disorders-panic-disorder
2. What is panic disorder?
What does it mean to have a panic disorder? It’s not simply stress or anxiety. Panic disorder is a mental illness that triggers unexpected, intense episodes of terror, known as panic attacks.
When you experience a panic attack, your heart accelerates as if you’ve just run a mile.
Shaking or trembling without being able to stop it
You can’t breathe, like an unseen weight is crushing your chest.
Feeling dizzy or sick, like you’re about to pass out
Fear of losing control or perhaps dying
What’s the most terrifying aspect? You may let the dread of another assault control your life. You avoid people, places, or circumstances solely to feel “safe.”
3. My Story: what is panic disorder
This is my story about how I fight a panic disorder. My name is Shubhangi Halande.
After that first attack at the café, I was a prisoner of my fear. I canceled plans, stayed away from social events, and even left my work because I couldn’t manage the stress. I panicked every time my heart rate went up.
I thought I was suffering a heart attack one night as I lay on the floor of my bathroom, gasping for breath. My husband took me to the emergency room right away, but the doctor just said, “It’s anxiety.” You are not in danger of harm.
I felt better… and then rage. Why does it feel as though I’m in danger when I’m not?
That’s when I found out what panic disorder is and that I wasn’t going insane. My body entered a false alarm phase, reacting to unfounded terror.
4. Problems: what is panic disorder
It was difficult to live with a panic disorder. What are the hardest things?
The embarrassment: “Why is it so difficult for me to overcome this?”
The loneliness: staying away from those who didn’t get it.
The physical toll includes constant fatigue due to adrenaline crashes.
The terror of fear itself: always being ready for the next onslaught.
I recall being at a grocery store, holding onto the cart, and being afraid I’d pass out in front of others. That’s when I knew I couldn’t go on living like this.
Please Enjoy Reading symptoms -of-generalized-anxiety-disorder
5. How I dealt with and got through certain problems
Step 1: Accepting the Problem
I stopped blaming myself. What defines a panic disorder? Panic disorder is a medical condition, not a sign of weakness.
Step 2: Therapy—My Big Change
I learned via Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
Breathing strategies, such the 4-4-6 method,
which says to breathe in for 4 seconds,
Hold for 4 seconds and expel for 6 seconds.
I utilized grounding techniques, concentrating on my senses to stay present in the present moment I questioned
questioning unreasonable beliefs, such as “Is this danger real or just my mind?”
Step 3: Changes to Your Lifestyle
Cut down on sweets and coffee since they made my anxiety worse.
Put sleep first (being worn out makes you panic).
I started walking every day (moving around eased my nerves).
Step 4: Take medicine if you need it.
I tried a low-dose SSRI after months of fighting. It wasn’t a “magic pill,” but it helped me stay stable so I could keep getting better.
Please Enjoy Reading severe-anxiety-symptoms
6. What I learned
You ca’n Panic attacks cannot cause death. They’re scary, yet they don’t hurt you.
Avoiding it worsens it. The more you conceal, the less you see of the world.
Progress is not linear. Other days were wins, and other days felt like losses. That’s OK.
7. Tips for Other People – what is panic disorder
If you’re having trouble understanding what panic disorder is, here’s what helped me:
Learn more. When you understand terror, it loses its power.
Take a deep breath. Embrace the current; it will eventually subside.
Face your fears gradually. Begin with simple tasks, like sitting in a park for five minutes.
Get help. Talk to a therapist, friends who listen, or others online.
Be patient. It takes time to heal.
8. My Progress and What Comes Next
I still have times when I’m anxious, but I don’t let it rule me anymore. For the first time in years, I went on a trip by myself last month. I took a breath as I started to panic. I waited. It went by.
What is a panic disorder? While it may be challenging, it’s not a catastrophic event.
Please Enjoy Reading funny – anxiety
9. Conclusion: what is panic disorder
You are stronger than you think.
If you’re reading this and fighting your own, please know:
You are resilient.
You’re not the only one.
There is a way to heal.
It won’t be easy, but you can get your life back, just as I did.
— Shubhangi Halande
