Mental illnesses are still such taboo subjects around the world today. Many people lack awareness and understanding of what can be very serious conditions that majorly effect the sufferers and their family and friends quality of life. This lack of understanding can severely impact on the recovery of individuals with a mental illnesses. THIS MUST CHANGE!

Anxiety disorders, Panic attacks and phobias are very common illnesses that are often misunderstood and their severity often underestimated and undermined. They are invisible conditions which even professionals can find it difficult to understand and treat. If someone has a broken leg you can clearly see the problem and understand it but with mental illnesses they can be completely invisible but very often just as serious as a physical illness.  

Myself and Rebecca have personally experienced anxiety and panic attacks and their effects, not only on our lives but on our family and friends too. These illnesses are so isolating, confusing and frightening. It can really change a person’s ability to carry out normal day to day activities. It can turn a usually bubbly, outgoing and confident person into someone who is reserved, frightened and a reclusive individual. Family and friends might not understand why their loved one has changed so much and find it difficult to offer positive support. We have known people say things like “get a grip” or “shake out of it” and even laugh and belittle the way you are feeling.

No panic have been a very valuable source of help and support to us and we want to give something back to a charity that is very well deserved but unfortunately does not get the help, funding or donations it needs.

No Panic not only offers support, help and guidance to sufferers of anxiety disorders, panic attacks and phobias, but their carers too. If you have a friend or family member who is suffering from anxiety disorders, panic attacks, phobias or any other illness for the matter we urge you to research the illness and how you can offer appropriate help and support. Contact a charity like No Panic who can and will offer you helpful advice. For more information on the services and support No Panic can offer please visit http://www.nopanic.org.uk/about-us/

Anxiety, Panic attacks and phobias have both Psychological and Phyisical symptoms which include:

Psychological

• Inability to concentrate
  
• Insomnia
  
• Unshakable feelings of dread, apprehension, and irrational fears
  
• Irritability
  
• Sense of impending doom
  
• Thinking that you may lose control and/or go “mad”
  
• Thinking that you might die
  
• Thinking that you may have a heart attack/be sick/faint/have a brain tumour
  
• Feeling that people are looking at you and observing your anxiety
  
• Feeling as though things are speeding up/slowing down
  
• Feeling detached from your environment and the people in it
  
• Feeling like wanting to run away/escape from the situation
  
• Feeling on edge and alert to everything around you

Physical

• Heart palpitations
  
• Difficulty breathing or Hyperventilating
  
• Dizziness and feeling faint
  
• Chest pains and other symptoms similar to those of a heart attack
  
• Chills and perhaps hot flashes
  
• Dry mouth
  
• Stomach cramps, diarrhea,
  
• Nausea/ feeling sick
  
• Other intestinal symptoms
  
• Clamminess
  
• Muscle tension, aches and pains
  
• Exhaustion
  
• Pins and needles
  
• Excessive sweating
  
• Dry mouth
  
• Jelly legs
  
• Choking sensations
  
• Using the toilet more often
  
• Shaking
  

Thanks for taking the time to visit Our JustGiving page.

You can also donate by texting REAL66 to 70070 followed by the amount (upto£10).

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.