Hi, I’m Ryan Lakhan-Bunbury, founder of Calm That Anxiety [calmthatanxiety.com]. I coach individuals experiencing panic attacks, agoraphobia, and generalised anxiety—but it wasn’t always this way. My journey began at 19, during university, when I experienced an intense panic episode at a party. In a crowded room with flashing lights and loud music, I suddenly felt trapped—my heart pounded, my chest tightened, and I had to get out.

As I left and crossed a nearby bridge, I was hit by full-blown panic: sweaty palms, a racing heart, and an overwhelming sense of unreality. From that night on, I avoided bridges—for 15 years.

Over the following months, I developed panic disorder. The daily panic attacks eventually settled, but my fear of bridges lingered and grew. I began feeling anxious in parks, on dual carriageways, and in any situation where I might feel exposed or “stuck.” These were symptoms of agoraphobia. I thought avoidance would keep me safe, but all it did was shrink my world.

In 2019, I went to Japan for my honeymoon, hoping for peace and rest. But anxiety crept in early—our hotel was on the 22nd floor, I struggled to sleep, and the wide, mountainous landscapes triggered old fears. On the way home, we stopped in Hong Kong—another high hotel room, more sleep issues, and mounting anxiety. Back in the UK, I expected to feel better—but I didn’t. Instead, I faced weeks of insomnia, heart palpitations, and moments of depersonalisation.

With the support of my wife, family, and workplace, I began to rebuild. I chose not to take medication and instead committed to understanding anxiety. I read extensively, started therapy, explored mindfulness and meditation and returned to movement through yoga and dance.

The turning point came when I started working with Neal. He was calm and reassuring. He helped me understand that these terrifying symptoms were actually “normal sensations.” Using CBT and graduated exposure therapy, he taught me how to approach anxiety differently. I gradually faced the things I feared—walking on bridges, spending time in parks, and driving in situations I had previously avoided. Over time, the fear softened.

I also worked on my sleep, building habits like going to bed and waking at the same time, reducing screen time, and writing down thoughts before bed. As my sleep improved, so did my overall wellbeing.

Now, I drive more than I ever have in my life. I’ve even taken up swimming, despite a childhood fear of water. I now travel to places I would have previously avoided and overall enjoy life with much more freedom. I don’t aim to be fearless—I aim to be accepting, present, and kind to myself.

Inspired by my journey, I founded Calm That Anxiety [calmthatanxiety.com] where I now support others who are living with anxiety. My story is proof that healing is possible—and you don’t have to face it alone.