From paralysed by panic to running my own business

For about two years, I told myself I was just "a worrier." I had always been anxious, so I assumed it was just my personality. But in early 2024, things shifted. I started having panic attacks at the supermarket, then in the car, then at home. I stopped going out alone. My world shrank to the size of my drawing room.

My husband found Mindincare after searching online. I was terrified of going — what if the doctor thought I was making it up? What if I had a panic attack in the clinic itself?

Dr. Ayesha put me at ease within the first ten minutes. She did not dismiss my fear or tell me to "think positive." She explained exactly what was happening in my nervous system, and why the panic attacks were not dangerous even when they felt life-threatening.

We worked on CBT together over several months. There was also medication that helped take the edge off while the therapy took hold. Gradually, I started taking small steps — a short walk outside, then a trip to a shop, then driving again.

Eight months after my first appointment, I launched a small home catering business. The business was something I had dreamed about for years but never attempted because I was too afraid. I am still a worrier. Probably always will be. But I know how to manage it now — and more importantly, I know it does not have to manage me.