Rohan, Age 26

Rohan began having sudden episodes of intense fear with racing heart, breathlessness, and dizziness. He thought he was having a heart attack. Emergency tests were normal. He became afraid of leaving home, fearing another…

Rohan began having sudden episodes of intense fear with racing heart, breathlessness, and dizziness. He thought he was having a heart attack. Emergency tests were normal. He became afraid of leaving home, fearing another attack.

A psychiatrist diagnosed panic disorder with agoraphobia. She explained that panic attacks, while terrifying, are not dangerous in themselves. Rohan started CBT with gradual exposure: first standing near the door, then walking a few steps further.

Over time his panic attacks reduced, and he regained confidence to go out. He said, "Understanding what was happening in my body and facing my fears step by step changed everything."