My partner has only suffered one panic attack in the years we have been together, I don’t think he can explain what brought previous ones on, its very strange he doesn’t suffer from them in every day life so to speak.
Out of the blue on our return flight from Menorca this year he was sick at take off, the rest of the flight proceeded to be in and out of consciousness on the floor of the back of the plane, shaking so much I thought he was having a fit, which in turn gave him so bad chest pains I though he was having a heart attack, he kept looking to the door of the plane as if wanted to get out and passed out every time the plane moved, I think the thought of having a bad flight and how he’d react brought on the attack – thank god it was only a 2 hour flight, the worst two hours ever.

I don’t think anyone can really explain, it’s a totally irrational fear you feel at the time, you know it but it doesn’t make it any better. I think it a long process of building up confidence and relaxation which then finally realise there is nothing to be scared of (easier said than done eh).
Unfortunately alcohol can make you depressed, especially when you stop for a few days, bit of a vicious circle

YOU WILL GET THROUGHT IT! Going to pick your step dad up should be seen a great achievement, small things day to day will gradually build up and soon you’ll realise just how much you have achieved.

Chin up all of you it will get better, it may be a long road and it wont be easy, you’ll have up and down days, just learn to ride over the bad, good luck

Z