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DR HILARY'S DIAGNOSIS

Most people worry occasionally, and anxiety is a normal response to stress.

But panic attacks are different.

This is intense anxiety with psychological distress and there are an array of strong physical symptoms such as shortness of breath, palpitations, shaking and fainting.

Often sufferers feel so bad they think they’re about to die.

Such attacks can occur almost out of the blue and for no obvious reason.

They can be disabling and, unless treated, prevent sufferers from getting on with their life or even leaving the house.

Cognitive behavioural therapy which gets you to think about problems in a more positive way, can help, as can desensitisation techniques which train you to cope with anxiety in stressful situations.

Pooja should also try other simple techniques like breathing in and out of a paper bag when she hyperventilates, and learn quick relaxation exercises, which can be invaluable.

'Fame gave me panics attacks'

EVERY WEEK A CELEB ASKS OUR FABULOUS DOCTOR FOR A DIAGNOSIS. THIS WEEK IT’S ACTRESS POOJA SHAH, 28

I thought I’d landed my dream job when I joined EastEnders in 2003 as Kareena Ferreira, but within weeks I’d become a nervous wreck.

The pressure of being a household name in a high-profile show was immense.

Everywhere I went people would stare and I’d panic about what they might say or do.

I’d shake uncontrollably, have palpitations and get really flushed.

I knew I was having anxiety attacks, but I couldn’t stop them.

Six months later, Ray Panthaki, who played my on-screen brother, was assaulted, and my anxiety attacks got worse.

I stopped travelling on public transport or going to bars because I thought someone might do the same to me.

I’d suffer from attacks almost every hour of every day.

They were so consuming, I even dreaded leaving the house.

I felt as though I was having a mental breakdown.

When I left the show in 2005, I hoped the attacks would finally stop, but they didn’t.

As a jobbing actor I had to force myself to go to auditions even though I felt so afraid.

I couldn’t bear that this was how my life was going to be, but I didn’t know what else to do.

Last summer I heard about The Relaxation For Living Institute, which specialises in helping people relieve anxiety.

After a few sessions I noticed a positive difference.

I now feel calm enough to travel on the Tube, but not the bus.

Although I feel a lot more in control, I still get up to three attacks a week.

Is there anything else I can do to combat them?

Words: Claie Wilson. Photography: Camera Press/Tessa Hallman. Contact The Relaxation For Living Institute on 020 7439 4277 or visit rfli.co.uk

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AUG 3 JULIE GRAHAM

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APRIL ERIN BOAG, JULIA BRADBURY, CLAIRE SWEENEY, TRICIA PENROSE

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