How to deal with panic attacks

(This is what I do)

Almost 11% of adults have a panic attack every year (via Cleveland Clinic). Panic attacks are more common than you would think.

I had my first panic attack during lockdown in 2020. It was late at night when I was stuck at home after getting Covid. I didn’t even realize it was a panic attack because I thought I was going to die. I have always been anxious, but it had never been that bad.

I messaged my best friend in Canada, and she called me immediately, and I told her, “I am scared to go to sleep because I’m worried, I’ll stop breathing in my sleep and won’t wake up.” She consoled me the best she could, and her husband, a nurse, said that I would continue to breathe even when I was asleep.

We talked for a while till I felt calmer, but I was still jittery. I knew my mental health would be affected during the lockdown as I am from a mental health background and was doing everything I could. I ate well, did yoga every day, and exercised- but no one can predict when a panic attack will pay you a visit.

I was stuck in my studio apartment in Chicago without any social interactions, and prior to the pandemic, I had a thriving social life. I always liked being around people. I always saw friends and never knew how much being on my own inside an apartment would affect me.