Actress Lee Ji-hyun, formerly of the group Jewelry, revealed that she developed panic disorder after her divorce.
Recently, Lee Ji-hyun appeared in a preview of a broadcast and shared her honest thoughts about her divorce. Having experienced two divorce lawsuits, Lee Ji-hyun said, “I was anxious thinking about how my divorce would cause pain to my family.”
Lee Ji-hyun confessed that she has also suffered from panic disorder after her divorce. She stated, “I called 119 and unknowingly went to the emergency room,” and added, “I am still so scared that I can’t drive for more than 30 minutes.” Let’s learn more about the panic disorder that Lee Ji-hyun is suffering from.
What is Panic Disorder?
Panic disorder is a phenomenon characterized by sudden and intense feelings of anxiety and restlessness, accompanied by dizziness, chest tightness, cold sweats, and shortness of breath. The causes are diverse, including genetics, psychological issues, and excessive stress. Most panic disorder patients are known to experience extreme stress from work, interpersonal relationships, etc., before the onset. If stress is neglected, the balance of neurotransmitters can be disrupted, leading to excessive activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the onset of panic disorder.
Panic disorder, a type of anxiety disorder, is accompanied by a fear of dying, along with sensations of heat and numbness in the hands and feet. This is called a panic attack. A sudden panic attack peaks within 10 minutes. If one does not quickly sit or lie down at this time, there is a high risk of injury. When a panic attack is suspected, it is better to rest in a safe place rather than endure it.
Importance of Prompt Treatment
Experiencing severe panic attacks can lead to a state of ‘anticipatory anxiety’, where one fears or worries in advance that such symptoms will occur again. This involves avoiding situations and places where panic attacks may occur.
Panic disorder is important to treat promptly. If left untreated, symptoms can worsen or lead to other mental illnesses such as depression and agoraphobia. Treatment is commonly conducted using medication such as antidepressants and anxiolytics, along with cognitive behavioral therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy involves gradually experiencing situations where panic attacks occur and managing anxiety, typically lasting 4 to 12 weeks.
Panic disorder involves cycles of improvement and worsening during the treatment process. Even if one experiences a panic attack during treatment, it is necessary to accept it as part of the process without feeling discouraged. It is also important to immediately relieve stress alongside treatment. Finding one’s own methods, such as meditation, drinking tea, or reading, is wise.
