HOW TO HELP YOURSELF AND OTHERS

‘There are a number of ways we can help ourselves or people we love who may be battling with agoraphobia,’ says Dr Modgil. ‘Due to its strong link, techniques to help in panic attack situations are a good place to start…’

● Stay put If you’re experiencing an episode of panic, stay where you are and resist the urge to leave.

● Focus Try to focus on something physical, such as the time passing on your watch, or items in front of you, to remind yourself of what is real.

● Breathe slowly Feelings of panic and anxiety can get worse if you breathe too quickly; try to focus on slow, deep breathing

● Don’t fight it Try to accept what is happening and let it run its course. Allow yourself to realise everything is going to be okay.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle will help keep you emotionally balanced. Regular exercise can relieve stress and improve your mood, while a healthy diet can help keep your systems on an even keel. Reducing or avoiding alcohol and caffeine is also a good idea.