Panic Attacks Ruin My Life

18 June, 2020
Q Hello sir/mam.

I have a question related to panic attack disorder by jinn.

Last year when I was doing post-graduation studies, I suffered from extreme fear and panic attack, dreams of filth and dirt placed on road side.

I guess that was due to some black magic done on me out of jealousy by my relatives as my parents refused their marriage proposal for me. And now I can't live happily and don't know how I will survive now with this mental illness.

I do not feel well as I did earlier. I think my brain is not active more now as was earlier. I am losing interest in my daily routine activities.

Even I tried everything like Ruqya and reading and listening to Quran which helped little and after that I have also tried antidepressants medicine which have side effects which made my condition worse.

My family does not understand me as they think I am normal which I am not. Please reply how I can live and face the world in this condition.

Thanks.

Answer


In this counseling answer:

Sister, I kindly advise that you get counseling.

Also, ask your counselor if there are any support groups for panic/anxiety disorder.

Getting into a daily routine of stress reduction practices such as progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing, walking/exercise, among other techniques will help, in sha’ Allah.

To nourish your spirit and heart, stay close to Allah (swt). 

Answer:

As-Salamu ‘Alaykum sister,

Thank you for writing us. I am sorry to hear that you are experiencing panic attacks.  Panic attacks and anxiety affect millions worldwide. It can be quite debilitating.  Some people get attacks so bad and for so long that they become agoraphobic and end up not leaving their home for years.

Magic

While I cannot say if this is from black magic or not as you did not provide enough information, I will address this for what it may be, despite its etiology.

According to the ADAA, panic and anxiety disorders are the most commonly diagnosed mental health problems on campus. College in itself is stressful and often times those predisposed to panic/anxiety disorders experience their first attack in their late teens, early to mid-twenties.

Panic Attacks Ruin My Life - About Islam

This is a time wherein young people often come under great pressure to perform in school and work a job at the same time.

Healthy habits decreased

Some often leave families and go off to new places to study, thus, setting up the scenario for a decrease in healthy living behaviors such as sleep patterns, eating habits, and so on. With the additional stress and an often less than healthy lifestyle, panic/anxiety disorders can develop.

Based on your description and symptoms, it does sound like anxiety or panic attacks.  Additionally, as you stated it was panic attacks, I am wondering if you were diagnosed by a therapist and if you are participating in treatment.

If you are, sister, perhaps the treatment is not effective and you either need a different mode of therapy, medication or both.


Check out this counseling video:


What works for you

You stated you used to be on antidepressants and that did not help the panic. Are you also depressed? Some doctors prescribe certain classes of antidepressants for panic attacks, but they do not work for everyone.

You may have to ask your doctor to try something else as well as ensure that the counseling/therapy you are getting includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) which has high rates of success with panic and anxiety disorders.

Panic Attacks Ruin My Life

Also, ask your counselor if there are any support groups for panic/anxiety disorder. These support groups can provide valuable resources for coping with and overcoming anxiety disorder. 

You will in sha’ Allah learn techniques and skills to reduce or thwart off a panic attack from others there who experience the same thing.  Support groups are important as they also provide a platform to discuss what one is going through with others who experience similar symptoms. 

Stress reduction practices

Also, getting into a daily routine of stress reduction practices such as progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing, walking/exercise, among other techniques will help, in sha’ Allah.

When the feelings of fear and panic start to come, some find it helpful to just flow with it rather than getting more anxious and fearful. This is when deep breathing, doing dkhir and reading Qur’an help.

Also, ensure that you eat healthy foods, drink good water, and rest at night. All of these things affect our whole bodily system which includes the mind-body-spirit.

To nourish your spirit and heart, stay close to Allah (swt).  Do dhkir, keep your prayers, read and recite the Qur’an, go to the mosque for prayer and foster friendship with your sisters there. Our sisters are a valuable source of love and support and joy.

Conclusion

Sister, I kindly advise that you get counseling, attend support groups, engage in some of the suggestions I outlined above while you draw closer to Allah (swt). Allah (swt) is our ultimate healer.

I am confident that once you begin making these steps in your life, in sha’ Allah, the panic/anxiety will begin to subside and you will feel good again, in sha’ Allah.

You are not alone, sister. Many suffer from panic and anxiety, often in silence.

You are in our prayers.

Salam,

***

Disclaimer: The conceptualization and recommendations stated in this response are very general and purely based on the limited information provided in the question. In no event shall AboutIslam, its counselors or employees be held liable for any damages that may arise from your decision in the use of our services.

Read more

https://aboutislam.net/family-life/self-development/8-ways-to-manage-stress-with-a-spiritual-boost/

https://aboutislam.net/spirituality/5-quick-and-easy-sunnah-stress-busters/

https://aboutislam.net/reading-islam/living-islam/4-spiritual-tools-to-battle-anxiety-and-stress/

About Aisha Mohammad
Aisha received her PhD in psychology in 2000 and an MS in public health in 2009. Aisha worked as a Counselor/Psychologist for 12 years for Geneva B. Scruggs Community Health Care Center in New York. Aisha specializes in trauma, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, marriage/relationships issues, as well as community-cultural dynamics. She is certified in Restorative Justice/ Healing Circles, Conflict Resolution, Mediation, and is also a certified Life Coach. Aisha works at a Family Resource Center, and has a part-time practice in which she integrates healing and spirituality using a holistic approach. Aisha plans to open a holistic care counseling center for Muslims and others in the New York area in the future, in sha' Allah. Aisha is also a part of several organizations that advocate for social & food justice. In her spare time she enjoys her family, martial arts classes, Islamic studies as well as working on her book and spoken word projects.