(((Clouds and sun)))

I have suffered from severe panic disorder. Life was REALLY hard for a couple of years. Every day in that period I'd become so frustrated with myself. I couldn't stand myself for being so terrified of "stupid things or activities".

My cause turned out to be physical...which I found out as I finally began gaining an upper hand in the panic disorder. It turned out that I was having daily complex partial seizures, in which the aura was a feeling of intense dread.

Anyway, my anger towards myself for being so weak is what motivated me to suck it up and face my fears. Scared or not ~ the fears weren't going away when I hid at home, I was just more secluded. So, I forced myself to stop giving into the fear of avoiding shopping, parks, etc. I went anyway. It was a slow process in my intense panic easing, but it did. (That's when the physical cause would throw in a seizure, which I'd mistake for a panic attack & get all frustrated with myself for about a week.)

In short, do rule out possible physical causes asap! Second, face your fears & do them anyway. As long as the events aren't dangerous, don't avoid them anymore. Third, seek out counseling (if you aren't already), it does help. And lastly, use that anxiety to your health benefit. Go for walks, exercise, etc.

Gentle hugs sent your way ~ I do understand how terrifying it is. I have been there & won't ever forget it. But, I also know that you have to face your fears to give them less and less power over your emotions. Trust me...