Local man overcomes panic disorder through music, now performs in Charleston

Charleston, S.C. (WCIV) — Walking out of the house is a simple task for some, but for others who suffer with panic disorder, it can be nearly impossible.

Chip Cooley of the band Social Void, remembers suffering from panic attacks all too well.

"It kind of felt like I didn't exist anymore because I didn't really see people much during the week," he said.

Cooley said the anxiety and depression escalated during high school. He recalled not being able to leave his house without suffering an episode.

Today, however, is a different story for Cooley.

On Tuesday, Cooley and his band performed for the crowd at the Charleston Riverdogs game, something he says he would never have been able to do a few years ago.

He said his love for music kept him moving forward while he wrote songs describing his days of dealing with the disorder.

"It was the only way I could express it," he said. "So, it was easy for me to fixate on it and distract myself for a little bit."

Cooley's brother and fellow band member, Brent Cooley, helped Chip through his depression and anxiety by helping him write his songs.

Brent says it's a miracle how music helped his brother recover and transform his life.

Chip said he hopes his music can not only bring awareness to the disorder, but also help others who are going through the same thing find hope.