Coleraine university student advocates for more awareness of panic attacks

A Coleraine student is advocating for better awareness and understanding of panic attacks, while she shares her personal journey to enhance the importances of education surrounding the issue.

Jodie Buchanan, who is in her early 20s, and is originally from Derry, recalls her first experience of panic attacks.

‘‘I experienced my very first panic attack during my GCSE math exam,” she said.

‘‘I remember sitting at my desk and suddenly not being able to breathe or focus on the paper in front of me. It was terrifying and back then I had no idea what a panic attack was.’’

In late 2023, a report was published by Mental Health Champion entitled ‘Factors Affecting Mental Health and Wellbeing in Children and Young People in Northern Ireland.’ The research found that almost half of 16 years old. The research report further states that emotional wellbeing of 11-year-olds has ‘declined in recent years’ with this being the lowest score since the year 2016. 

The Derry native has a history of experiencing panic attacks. 

‘‘For me I’ve always felt like my anxiety manifests very physically. I get so shaky and breathless and in my head all I want to do is escape where I am. This has been very challenging at university. I often find myself having to sit close to doors so I have a quick escape if I start getting panicky.’’

According to the NHS, a Panic Disorder is a type of Anxiety Disorder ‘where you regularly have sudden attacks of panic or fear’. While on some occasions, the feelings and emotions of anxiety, stress and panic can appear at any time, and mostly it happens for no apparent reason. 

In January of this year, Jodie showed bravery by embarking on a solo trip to England. The purpose of her trip was to demonstrate to herself that her struggles with anxiety and panic attacks don’t have to dictate her future. 

‘‘Before my trip I’m not going to lie, I was terrified. I had so many worries and the thought of having a panic attack somewhere not familiar to me was overwhelming, but I’ve been learning that although anxiety is uncomfortable it isn’t dangerous. I’ve been taking small steps to challenge my anxious thoughts and that’s what led up to me going away.

‘‘My trip was amazing. I flew into London on the Thursday morning and spent a few days in Brighton exploring and taking photos along the way. It was a great experience for me and I now feel less anxious about going away again. I’ve proved to myself that you don’t have to let anxiety dictate your future or stop you from doing things you want to do.’’

Jodie promotes the power of educating yourself on anxiety and mental health no matter how it impacts you and your everyday life. 

‘‘I think when you're struggling with panic attacks and anxiety it’s important to educate yourself on them and why they happen. Something that’s really helped me over the years is using breathing and grounding techniques. I also try to remind myself that some days are just harder than others and that’s okay. But what’s been helpful for me is taking baby steps everyday in challenging my anxiety. For example, going into a shop and talking to the person at the till, or challenging myself to do things outside of my comfort zone which was exactly what I achieved on my trip to England.’’

Jodie is in her final year studying toward an BSc Hons in Psychology at the Ulster University Coleraine. While studying she has craved an interest in Neuropsychology. Which is the study of physiological processes of the nervous system and relates to human behaviour and cognition. 

Earlier this month, Thursday, March 14 marked University Mental Health Day, an annual date aimed at creating and promoting awareness about Mental Health. This day was established by Student Minds, the largest student Mental Health Charity in the UK, with its headquarters located in the English city of Leeds. 

Jodie continues to expand her existing knowledge in Psychology, which reflects in her growing interest to continue to advocate for better mental health education around panic attacks. 

You can follow Jodie on X @itsjodiebuch_.

If you need to speak to someone you can, contact Inspire Wellbeing on 028 9032 8474.