Hello I am 15 years old (still in School) last year I went to a shopping centre in London and it was evacuated due to ‘firearm’ however there was no gun or anything like that just a small fire , it caused great panic everyone screaming crying. Ever since this I haven’t left the house and struggle to get to school my boyfriend and friends ask me to go out but I can’t bring myself to , every time I hear the smallest noise I panic and I am having panic attacks everyday. I’m in need of advice as not leaving the house is making me very depressed and losing friends due to it
Hello, I'm sorry to hear how much you are suffering, it must have been a very frightening experience.
First of all, have you been to your GP? If not then I think you should go and explain about how you are feeling. They should be able to give you something to help with the panic attacks and anxiety. My daughter was prescribed something called propananol, which helps alleviate some of the physical symptoms of anxiety. Also, they might even suggest some counselling, so that you can talk over your experience and get help with processing it.
In the meantime, if you are finding it hard to leave the house, my suggestion would be to get someone (a parent would probably be best) to step outside with you for even just a minute, do some deep breathing, then go back inside. Slow deep breathing tricks your brain into a calmer state. Keep repeating this until you feel comfortable with being outside the door. Do this each day until you feel you are ok with it, then progress to walking a few steps away from the house, and do the deep breathing there for a minute or so. Keep doing this, moving further each time. It might take weeks to feel comfortable enough to get to the end of your road. It doesn't really matter. What is important is that you go at your own pace and re-train your brain to feel safe outside. I don't think this is something you can rush. Have a talk with your mum or dad about doing this. Ask your GP if they think that is a good idea.
Best of luck xx
Thank you so much, I will have a go at that. I will also go and speak to my GP thank you for the advice