[philbarr]

I'm not sure most doctors are properly equipped to deal with this kind of thing, beyond referring you on to a specialist which is only going to make you worry even more.

My Dad taught me about not panicking when I was a child as he thought it was important. The way he did it was to get me to try and swim a length underwater at the local swimming pool. When I couldn't do it he said, "ok, your mind tries to tell you you've run out of air earlier than you actually have so that you'll respond and still have time to do something about it, but you know you've only got a few more metres to go before you're at the end. You actually have plenty of air when you're coming up." It took me quite a few more attempts but I eventually managed to get over that panicking feeling to finish the length. Then I'd practise every week.

This directly saved me when I got trapped once in a badly maintained wave machine once, and instead of panicking I managed to orient myself, find the grate I'd been sucked in by, get out and push my to the surface. BUT, there's an indirect consequence of this that is much more useful in every day life - it's the idea that whatever situation you're in, you are capable of sorting it out yourself.

Anybody reading and understanding what's on HN is also probably capable of dealing with most problems no matter what's thrown at them. Worried about that degree course? It doesn't really matter because you'll be able to work something out. Worried about that job interview tomorrow? Well just go in and say what you think, give it your best shot, and if it doesn't work out that's ok because you're smart enough to work it out from there. Have confidence in your ability to deal with situations as they arise. It's not easy and it takes practise, but it's a great thing to have and it'll let you sleep easy.