Make space to understand what you are feeling.
Start with a question, a manageable next step or a little room to reflect. Explore anxiety, confidence and everyday wellbeing at your own pace.
When panic or anxiety affects daily life
Anxiety can be exhausting, and an episode of panic can feel frightening. You deserve to be heard without being told to simply calm down or try harder. Needing support does not say anything about your intelligence, strength or character.
A panic attack and panic disorder are not the same thing. The National Institute of Mental Health guide to panic disorder explains that an isolated attack does not itself establish a disorder. A healthcare professional can assess recurring symptoms and consider other possible causes.
New or unexplained physical symptoms should be assessed rather than assumed to be anxiety. If you think you may be experiencing a medical emergency or cannot keep yourself safe, contact your local emergency service.
Getting help without blame
Support can include talking therapy, medication or a combination, depending on your needs and a clinician’s assessment. The NHS overview of panic disorder describes treatment options, including cognitive behavioural therapy. There is no single timetable or guaranteed outcome for everyone.
If you take prescribed medication, discuss concerns, side effects or possible changes with your prescriber. Do not stop or change it on the basis of a blog post. Taking medication is not a personal failure.
For an appointment, you might note when symptoms happen, how they affect your day and what you would like help with. You can bring questions about treatment choices and ask someone you trust to help you prepare.
Read at a pace that works for you
Use the articles here to explore questions, language for your experiences and practical options to discuss. You can start with one topic, pause when you need to and return later. An exercise that does not help is something you can adapt or set aside.
For another starting point, read How to overcome insecurities or browse the article collection. Have a question about an article or a problem with the website? Use the contact page.
For a separate interest in spiritual readings, visit PsychicOz.