Symptoms, stages, and overcoming panic disorder

I would like to share my experiences with panic disorder, including the symptoms I felt and the daily methods I used to overcome it.

 

It seems to be about 6 to 7 years old.

 

My family's business failure and a scam suddenly resulted in hundreds of millions of won in debt. At that time, I should have judged the situation more objectively and冷静ly, but I tried to save the situation by borrowing money from relatives and friends, but instead, the situation did not improve, and the remaining family members also ended up with debts in their own names, resulting in the worst outcome. Of course, I also had to bear nearly a hundred million won in second and third-tier financial loans and money borrowed from friends.

 

The problem was that I made such a mistake when I was unable to repay, and an endless series of threats began. Every day, regardless of morning or afternoon, countless messages and calls from financial institutions kept coming in, and as this continued, just hearing the phone ring made my heart start pounding, I broke out in cold sweat, and I felt dizzy. People around me who saw me ask if something was wrong, but it was honestly hard to tell them the truth, and I have been living with panic disorder for many years.

 

 

The Three Stages of Panic Disorder

 

Panic disorder progresses in three main stages. The first stage is characterized by sudden attacks that occur unexpectedly in daily life. When the frequency increases and physical symptoms follow, it is considered the second stage. As the frequency becomes more frequent, individuals tend to avoid taking buses or subways. This avoidance can lead to agoraphobia, where confined spaces themselves become a source of fear.

 

 

Panic Disorder Self-Assessment Form

 

It is also good to check the panic disorder diagnosis chart.

 

 

If four or more of the listed items suddenly begin and symptoms peak within 10 minutes, panic disorder may be suspected, so please seek consultation from a healthcare professional.

 

I also remember struggling to breathe and feeling extremely dizzy on a crowded subway, almost collapsing. Suddenly, when the phone rings or when I see only a number on the caller ID, my body reacts suddenly and I start to experience shortness of breath. I didn't completely dismiss the possibility that it could be panic disorder, but I thought it was unlikely. Since I tend to be a calm, positive, and easygoing person by nature, I couldn't accept the idea that I might have an anxiety disorder or panic disorder, thinking they were far removed from me.

 

However, since pretending not to know until when and enduring the hardship is also burdensome, I received counseling and started efforts to improve, including being prescribed sedatives. I walk, take walks, listen to good music, and when it rains or snows, I go out with an umbrella and walk.

 

I also looked for ways to overcome panic disorder on my own at home and have been practicing them consistently.

 

 

<Breathing Training>

 

Breathing also requires effort. When I looked into information to try to overcome panic disorder, I found that among autonomic nervous system responses caused by panic disorder, the only one that can be consciously controlled is breathing. It doesn't require practices like Danjeon breathing; it's simply about practicing comfortable and relaxed breathing.

 

 

 

Inhale naturally and exhale slowly and leisurely. Practice this consistently during meditation. Even relaxing your breathing requires training.

 

 

When you meditate and clear your mind while focusing on your breath, your mind becomes clearer. There are many videos on YouTube for meditation, so it would be helpful to seek assistance from them.

 

 

I have tried hard to release the anger inside my body, and I am still trying. In a situation where I have repaid many debts and cannot ignore even the debts my family is bearing, I experienced extreme stress, but since it was something that happened anyway... if it's something I have to do regardless, I decided to live positively and smile like my original self.

 

Once you honestly acknowledge that you must handle it, you feel surprisingly relieved.

 

Letting go, yielding, and postponing the plans I had set in my life are disappointing and frustrating, but I have decided to delay them by a few years and let myself bloom anew in this long life. Instead, I have resolved to live with more passion and enthusiasm. The money I forgot about? 100 million, 200 million won—it's regrettable, but I am correcting my mindset, starting over, and working to increase my value. I am learning, studying, and preparing to make a fresh start.

 

There are many people struggling with panic disorder. If you are aware of it yourself and have the will to improve, things will get better. With a proactive attitude, starting counseling and therapy, and making changes in daily life, you will gradually overcome your fears.