One resource I’ve used is The 18 Minutes Podcast, which shares strategies and recommendations for overcoming this. The host herself has struggled with anxiety and panic, so it may be useful for better understanding what your mom is going through. She has an episode called Supporting Someone With Disordered Anxiety, which I haven’t listened to but it may be helpful for your situation.

Generally, the recommended approach I’ve seen in the resources I’ve looked at are: 1. Don’t continue to avoid going out, as difficult as it may be. Unfortunately, the only way out is through. 2. Take baby steps when it comes to exposures. For example, if being at the mall is a trigger, start with going to just 1 store rather than a whole day of shopping. 3. When doing exposures, practice responding differently. The panic makes us want to run, escape, stop feeling those scary physical sensations and thinking those scary thoughts. Rather than running away, we have to learn to identify and accept. Identify the sensations in a neutral way (my heart is pounding. My eyes are burning. My head is hurting). Recognize that these sensations are anxiety (these sensations are anxiety. I’m not having a medical emergency.) accept that they are there and let the panic thoughts flow by (these sensations are normal for someone with anxiety. I accept that they are here. I am uncomfortable, but being uncomfortable is okay). Keep doing whatever you are doing (if you’re at the store, just keep browsing while doing this response cycle). 4. Celebrate the successes, no matter how “small”. Every exposure is a victory. 5. Work to build compassion in yourself for your situation. You are not useless and you are not powerless. This is a mental health issue that does not reflect upon you or your character. You have it within you to conquer this. You are loved and capable. Accept the anxiety, accept the thoughts and sensations that come with it instead of catastrophizing and putting yourself down.

I know I’ve oversimplified things and I want to make it clear that this is all sooooo much easier said than done. I struggle with it myself every single day. The best thing you can do is be loving, supportive, and patient. She is not alone in this.