What Is “Afakan Basması”? Signs and Ways to Find Relief

“Afakanlar bastı” describes a sudden feeling of distress, restlessness and being overwhelmed. It comes from the Arabic word for “horizon” and pictures the moment when one’s horizon seems to close in. It is not a diagnosis, but it describes something very real.

How does it feel?

• Tightness in the chest, as if you cannot breathe deeply,
• Restlessness and being unable to sit still,
• Feeling overwhelmed, tearful or irritable,
• Tension in the neck and shoulders, headaches,
• Difficulty falling asleep.

When to seek professional help

If these feelings last for weeks, come as sudden attacks of fear and palpitations, change your sleep and appetite, or if you have thoughts of harming yourself, please seek professional help — in the last case immediately. Chest pain and shortness of breath appearing for the first time should also be checked by a doctor.

What can help

Slow breathing (in for four seconds, out for six), a short walk outdoors, a regular sleep routine and relaxing the tense muscles of the neck and back can all help. Our relaxation massage is based on this approach; it accompanies, but never replaces, professional mental health support.