Feeling Stuck, Panicky, or On Edge? Let’s Talk About It!

One of the things I hear most often from people who are struggling with panic disorder and agoraphobia is: “Am I the only one who feels this way?” And my answer is always, absolutely not. So many people share the same fears, struggles, and questions when it comes to panic and anxiety.

That’s why I love doing Q&A episodes on the podcast! They give you a chance to hear that you’re not alone, and that what you’re experiencing makes so much sense. In this episode, I invited my podcast editor (and friend!) Mari to join me. Mari knows this world deeply, she’s recovered from panic disorder and agoraphobia herself. Together, we answered some of the most common questions that come up during recovery.

Here are some of the big questions we talked through:

“I freak out whenever I feel stuck or trapped. I don’t get it. Why is this happening?”

This is one of the most common fears when you’re dealing with panic disorder or agoraphobia. Whether it’s sitting in traffic, waiting in a long line, or being at the doctor’s office, the fear of feeling trapped can feel overwhelming.

Why does this happen? Usually, it’s because at some point in the past, you did feel panicky in one of those situations, and your brain made the association: this place isn’t safe. So now, anytime you’re in a similar situation, your brain sounds the alarm even though you’re not actually in danger.

The good news is, you can unlearn these patterns. With practice, you can teach your body that you can handle those feelings, and that being “stuck” doesn’t mean you’re unsafe.

“Why do I still get panic attacks even though I know what’s happening and I’ve been working on this for a while?”

This question is so frustrating, and so normal. Even when you logically understand panic, your body can still react with panic attacks.

Recovery isn’t just about what you know in your mind, it’s about what your body and nervous system have learned over time. It takes repetition and gentle practice to retrain your body to feel safe. Think of it like building a muscle. You don’t get strong overnight, and you don’t “fail” if you’re still panicking.

The key is consistency, patience, and self-compassion. Instead of beating yourself up for still having panic attacks, remind yourself: This is part of the process. My body is still learning.

“I feel like I’ve tried everything... therapy, breathing, journaling and nothing is helping long-term. What am I missing?”

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many people get stuck in what I call “managing mode.” You might be doing all the things... therapy, journaling, breathing exercises, hoping they’ll make anxiety go away.

But real healing isn’t about getting rid of anxiety. It’s about changing your relationship with it. That means facing the fear instead of avoiding it, learning to sit with uncomfortable feelings, and building trust in yourself to handle them.

Sometimes, it’s not that you’re doing anything wrong, it’s just that you need to shift your focus. Instead of throwing strategies at anxiety, the deeper work is about creating safety and connection with yourself. That’s where lasting recovery happens.

“I feel like I’m constantly on edge even when nothing is ‘wrong.’ I always feel like something bad is going to happen. I can't seem to relax. Why do I feel this way?”

This “on edge” feeling is a classic sign that your nervous system is stuck in survival mode. After months or years of dealing with panic and anxiety, your body learns to stay hyper-alert, almost like it’s always waiting for the next bad thing.

Here’s the thing: nothing is wrong with you. Your body has just learned to stay heightened. But it can unlearn this with time and practice. Small, consistent steps to show your body safety again can help you feel calmer and more grounded.

And remember, nobody is “calm and regulated” all the time. It’s normal to have ups and downs. The goal isn’t to never feel anxious again, it’s to build trust that you can handle it when anxiety shows up.

“I hate how small my world has gotten. I used to do so much, and now everything feels like a big deal. Will I ever feel like myself again?”

If you’ve pulled back from life because of panic and agoraphobia, you know how painful this feels. Your world shrinks, and suddenly everyday things feel impossible.

Here’s what I want you to hear: Yes, you can feel like yourself again. Not only that, you can feel like an even stronger, braver, freer version of yourself.

Recovery isn’t about “fixing” yourself, it’s about uncovering the parts of you that have been buried under fear. Every small step you take, no matter how insignificant it seems, helps expand your world again. And your old self is still there, waiting for you.

“Why does anxiety show up in places I used to feel totally safe in?”

This one can feel especially discouraging. You might think, What the heck... I've been doing this without a problem. Why now?

Sometimes, anxiety just pops up in places that don’t make sense. Maybe you’re stressed, overtired, or going through a tough time, and your body is more sensitive. That doesn’t mean you’re going backwards or that you’re failing.

When this happens, the best thing you can do is meet it with self-compassion. Instead of spiraling into “oh no, I’m getting worse,” remind yourself: This is just a moment of anxiety. It doesn’t mean I’m broken. I can handle this.

You’re Not Alone!

If you’ve asked yourself these same questions, I hope this Q&A helps you feel seen, validated, and reminded that recovery is possible. Panic disorder and agoraphobia can make your world feel small, but step by step, you can expand it again.

And if you want support along the way:

✨ Join my free class: How to Build Trust and Safety in Your Mind and Body (coming 9/10/25!)

✨ Check out my 10-week program, Panic to Peace

✨ Or join the A Healthy Push Community

You don’t have to do this alone.