Download FREE Practo app
Get ₹200 HealthCash
Struggling With Fear and Nervousness
Hi Doctors, I need help. Whenever my boss or any senior talks to me alone, I feel very nervous. My body shakes, I sweat a lot, and I feel very uneasy.
When I try to sleep, I overthink too much and I see scary images. A dog once barked at me badly, and now whenever I feel stressed, I keep seeing that dog’s face again when I close my eyes. It scares me and I feel like I can’t breathe. Last Monday I even felt like I might die.
I live alone in Noida and earlier I stayed with my parents in Guwahati.
Please tell me what is happening to me.
Answers (11)
Get your queries answered instantly with Care AI FREE
20000+ health queries resolved in last month
What you are experiencing strongly resembles panic attacks with trauma-linked anxiety. The body reactions during interactions with authority figures suggest a threat response, even when there is no real danger. The recurring image of the dog points to an unprocessed fear memory, which the brain replays during stress or fatigue. The sensation of not being able to breathe and feeling like one might die is a classic panic response, not a medical emergency, though it feels terrifying in the moment.
Living alone and being away from familiar emotional support may be intensifying these symptoms.
Next Steps
Consult a mental health professional immediately
A psychologist for therapy and a psychiatrist if medication support is needed.
Trauma-focused therapy is recommended
Techniques like CBT, EMDR, or exposure-based work help the brain reprocess fear memories safely.
Rule out physical causes once
A basic medical check-up helps reduce health anxiety and reassurance-seeking.
Build support while living alone
Regular contact with family or a trusted person is important during recovery.
Health Tips
Ground during panic: name 5 things you can see, 4 you can feel, 3 you can hear.
Breathe slow, not deep: long exhalations calm the nervous system faster.
Do not fight the images: acknowledge them and redirect attention gently.
Create a calming bedtime routine: avoid screens, caffeine, and intense thinking before sleep.
Remind yourself: “This is panic. It will peak and pass.”
Avoid isolation: even brief daily conversations help regulate emotions.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Didn't find the answer you are looking for?
Talk to experienced doctor online and get your health questions answered in just 5 minutes.
+142
Consultation with psychologist
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
This appears to be anxiety with panic symptoms and stress related intrusive images.
Next Steps
Consult with me for focused counselling therapy.
Health Tips
Use slow breathing, grounding, and a fixed sleep routine.
Answered
Flag this answer
2/2 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Kindly connect with psychotherapist
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Hi,
It sounds like you are experiencing intense anxiety and stress, which are causing physical symptoms such as shaking, sweating, and difficulty breathing, especially in situations like talking to your boss or thinking about stressful events. Your overthinking, frightening images, and the recurring memory of the dogâs face suggest that you might be dealing with anxiety or trauma-related symptoms. Feeling like you might die is a serious sign that your anxiety is very intense. Itâs important to seek help from a mental health professional who can evaluate your symptoms properly and provide the appropriate therapy or treatment. You're not alone, and with support, these feelings can be managed so you can feel calmer and more in control.
Next Steps
Consult
Health Tips
seek help
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
It seems to be GAD which is leading to social anxiety.
It needs to be addressed asap otherwise it may get complicated.
It can be well treated with counseling sessions and homeopathic medicine effectively and without any side effects.
It needs to be addressed in a holistic approach for complete recovery.
You need an expert Psychologist who is a good homeopathic physician.
Next Steps
I have been working as a Homeopathic Psychiatrist and Counseling psychologist for the last 17 years of experience. You can contact me through an online appointment for further assistance.
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Hi
The symptoms u have mentioned here are indicative of anxiety and trauma. Both the issue are extremely treatable if you can be adherent to treatment. Depending upon the severity of your symptoms u will be prescribed therapy or even medicines.
Next Steps
Consult a clinical psychologist asap for proper evaluation and diagnosis. This is not the platform for diagnosis
Health Tips
Delay may cause symptoms to increase
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Hi, Consult a psychologist
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
It's anxiety.connect with psychologist
Next Steps
connect
Health Tips
consult
Answered
Flag this answer
2/2 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Ms. Ligi R Nair
Counselling Psychologist
4 yrs exp
Bangalore
Thank you for reaching out. The symptoms you’re describing — nervousness around seniors, body shaking, sweating, difficulty breathing, overthinking at night, and sudden fear — are commonly seen in anxiety and panic episodes. The repeated image of the dog’s face appears to be a stress trigger linked to a past frightening experience.
Living alone, work pressure, and lack of emotional support can make these symptoms feel even stronger, but the good news is that these conditions are treatable.
Next Steps
A few steps can help you immediately:
1. Grounding for panic:
Slow, deep breathing (inhale 4 seconds, exhale 6 seconds) can bring your body out of panic within a minute.
2. Managing intrusive images:
Remind yourself: “This is a memory, not a danger.” Techniques like guided relaxation or trauma-focused therapy help reduce such images.
3. Reduce fear at work:
These reactions do not mean weakness — they are signs of heightened anxiety. With therapy, confidence and emotional control improve significantly.
4. Please consider professional support:
A therapist can help you understand your triggers, build coping skills, and overcome the fear responses.
Health Tips
You are experiencing anxiety that can be managed with the right support. You will feel better with timely help.
Answered
Flag this answer
2/2 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Ms. Mrunal Gokhale
Psychologist
3 yrs exp
Pune
Hello, I am so sorry to hear that. It must be really difficult when you are feeling that way.
Here are a few ways you can help with this feeling:
- Whenever you feel like you are having trouble breathing, keep a hand on your chest and your belly, and try deep breathing, 4 counts in, 4 counts hole and 4 counts out. Do this a couple of time.
- I would also encourage you to do a little bit of journaling to help with your overthinking.
- Whenever you are feeling nervous you can also try these 2 techniques given above.
I would highly suggest that you consult a psychologist for further help.
I, myself also take counselling sessions, if you are interested, then feel free to book a session with me.
I hope everything works out for you soon!
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Articles you may like
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
The question asked on this page is a free question. You can ask a free health question by downloading the Practo app.
Articles you may like
Tell us what's troubling you
Tell us what's troubling you
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.