This is a good question. The "not real" argument seems dismissive just like the "get over it" statement. People do not understand the mental state, the near-constant, sometimes nagging, even vague fears that we have. There are times that I am terrified w/o having any conscious thought of what it is I'm terrified of. Usually it's an upcoming event that I'm not thinking about. I've been this way as far back in my early childhood that I can remember--back to 5 yo or earlier. Back then it was dismissed as shyness. It's dogged me all my life, affected every thing I've tried to do in school, in my career, and now in my almost comfortable retirement. Why now? I'm trying to move to a new house, and I'm having a very difficult time engaging with the people I need to in order to get moved. Once moved, I'll be OK and be able to live as a recluse once again. At my age, I no longer look for a cure, just the small comforts of being left alone.