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Manga Explores Author's Experience With Panic Disorder
posted on by Karen Ressler
Kadokawa released the first and only volume for Ayumi Sakurakawa's Panikuru!? Panic Shōgai, "Aseranai!" ga Kiku Kusuri (Panic!? Panic Disorder, Effective Medicine for "Keep Your Cool"), an autobiographical essay manga about the author's experience with panic disorder, on Friday. The manga launched in Kadokawa's Comic Flapper magazine in December.
According to the American Psychological Association, around one in 75 people may suffer from panic disorder. Those who have it may suffer attacks of abrupt anxiety and paralyzing fear, with symptoms such as heart palpitations and difficulty breathing. The manga tells the story of Sakurakawa's first symptoms, and a low point in her life where the symptoms were especially bad. It also covers how she is walking the road to recovery.
"I can't breath, I'm going to die."
Many artists have used essay manga to share their life experiences dealing with mental and physical health issues, such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and Parkinson's disease. The wraparound jacket band on the first volume of Panikuru!? carries a recommendation from Keiichi Tanaka, author of the "Utsunuke" Utsu Tunnel o Nuketa Hito-tachi essay manga about depression.
Source: Comic Natalie
