Hi
what you’re describing is a classic case of panic disorder with agoraphobic features – especially when a single terrifying episode (like your panic attack in Jan 2024) wires your brain to associate “travel” with danger. The chest/shoulder pain and sense of doom are textbook anxiety symptoms, especially when they vanish the moment you’re back in your perceived “safe zone.” Your medications are typical and helpful in managing such conditions short-term, but they aren’t resolving the core cognitive distortion: “travel = death.” This belief must be unlearned through evidence-based, gradual exposure and cognitive restructuring. You don’t need more cardiac tests unless your doctor insists — this sounds anxiety-driven, not cardiac.
Let’s shift from surviving to healing. Begin graded exposure: start by stepping just outside home with grounding techniques. Don’t wait for confidence — confidence follows action. Use CBT techniques like thought-challenging (“What evidence do I have that I’ll die?”), visual rehearsal (seeing yourself succeed), and interoceptive exposure (intentionally mimicking panic sensations to desensitize fear). Also, work with a psychologist to reduce your safety behaviors (like carrying Zapiz) which unintentionally feed the fear cycle. You can regain your freedom — with structure, patience, and the right therapy.
Take therapy, and you can connect with me on nine two six six seven two six zero six five.
Answered2025-03-29 18:00:15
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