"I'M having a panic attack" is a phrase many people may use — but it is an experience few will genuinely ever have.

But for one woman from Bromley Cross, they ruled her life for a number of years.

Lucy Openshaw has suffered from crippling panic attacks and been prescribed various types of medication to control them, including beta blockers and anti depressants.

The musician, who plays bass guitar, was so consumed by the attacks that she stopped playing in her band, socialising with friends and became almost reclusive.

But with the help of therapy sessions through Bolton mental health services and medication, Miss Openshaw has finally got them under control and now is encouraging others to talk about the "silent illness" by uploading a five minute video as part of Mind's Time to Talk campaign.

She said: "Words can't describe what a panic attack feels like. It's terrifying because you never know when they're going to happen.

"They have affected all aspects of my life including my work life and social life.

"I have always been outgoing person and love music. I have played in bands before, so when I became ill it was really hard to cope with.

"While all my friends were out drinking and having fun I distanced myself away from things because I was so scared that I was going to have a panic attack.

"I can't even drink because I'm scared that the alcohol will make me sick — I think I've been drunk three times in my life. I always drive to places

"I used to work at a big firm in a call centre but they didn't understand. I was getting into trouble all the time because I'd have to go out when I felt sick or panicked. If I broke my arm they'd understand, but because it's in my head and people can't see it, they think it's not there."

Miss Openshaw is unaware of the trigger to her condition, which began when she was in high school, although she says the tragic death of her friend Amy Leigh Barnes in 2008 affected her badly.

She said: "I have always suffered panic attacks but they got really bad around the time Amy died. Then it got progressively worse up until I was 21.

"My mum was so worried she took me to the doctors and I barely said a word, I was so scared.

"My friends and family have been amazing. They accept me as I am and don't question it, which has really helped me, so if I want to be left alone they will leave me be.

"I am a dog walker and I love nothing more than walking up into the hills. I also have eight cats. Animals are great because they just listen and don't answer back. They're like therapy for me."

The 25-year-old uploaded her Time to Talk video to her Facebook page and has already had a number of positive messages from people who have praised her bravery at "coming out" with her illness.

Miss Openshaw said: "I did the video because I want to encourage people to talk about mental health.

"I have always been open about it and I've spoken to quite a few people about my experiences, so I thought that this would be a good way to get as many people talking as possible.

"I feel like with the help of Bolton mental health services and the right medication, I have them under control a lot more, so I want to let people know with my video that they're not alone — there is help out there for them too."

There are three main providers of mental health services in Bolton — Greater Manchester West (GMW), 1Point, and ThinkPositive. The public can self refer to either 1Point or ThinkPositive or see their GP to be referred to GMW.

Dr Wirin Bhatiani, Chair of NHS Bolton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: "Mental health issues could affect any one of us at any point in our lives. Improving the mental health and wellbeing of people in Bolton is a priority for NHS Bolton CCG.

"We have invested an additional £1.5 million in mental health services over the past year, including £600,000 on improving access to psychological therapies, like counselling, for those suffering from anxiety, depression or stress. The CCG is now working to improve these services further following a listening exercise with patients and GPs."

Sue Baker, director of Time to Change, the mental health anti-stigma campaign run by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, said: "We know that talking openly about mental health is a vital first step towards breaking down stigma and discrimination, which is why we asked people to take five minutes on Time to Talk Day last week to do just that.

"It's shocking that many people are still waiting over a year to talk to their nearest and dearest about their mental health problem – it's hard to imagine this happening with other health issues."

Contact 1Point on 01204 867000 or ThinkPositive on 01204 462153.