As-Salamu ‘Alaykum sister,

Thank you for writing us. I am sorry to hear that you have been experiencing panic attacks. Panic attacks and anxiety affect millions worldwide and 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. 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. This is a time wherein young people often come under great pressure to perform in school and work a job at the same time. 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 sister 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 perhaps the treatment is not effective and you either need a different mode of therapy, medication or both. You stated you used to be on antidepressants and that did not help the panic, are you also depressed? Some doctors do 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.

Insha’Allah, ask your counselor if there are any support groups for panic/anxiety disorder. These groups can provide valuable resources for coping with and overcoming panic/anxiety disorder. You will insha’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 are experiencing similar symptoms. You may also meet people who have overcome panic/anxiety disorders and teach others how to as well.

Also getting into a daily routine of stress reduction practices such as progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing, walking/exercise, among other techniques will help insha’Allah.  When the feelings of fear and panic start to come, some find it helpful to just flow with it, rather than get more anxious and fearful. This is when deep breathing, doing dkhir and reading Qur’an help. Sister, also ensures insha’Allah that you are eating good, healthy foods, drinking good water, and resting at night. All of these things affect our whole bodily systems which include the mind-body-spirit. To nourish your spirit and heart sister stay close to Allah.  Insha’allah do dzhkir, keep your prayers, read and recite Qur’an, go to the Masjid for prayer as well as for fostering friendship with your sisters there. Our sisters are a valuable source of love and support and joy.

Sister, insha’Allah, I kindly advise that you get counseling, attend support groups, engage in some of the suggestions I outlined above as well as draw closer to Allah as Allah is our ultimate healer. I am confident once you begin making these steps in your life, insha’Allah the panic/anxiety will begin to subside and you will be feeling good again. You are not alone sister, many suffer from panic and anxiety, often in silence.

You are in our prayers.