How to Manage and Live With Panic Disorder

Living with Panic Disorder on a daily basis

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Courage
• Honesty
• Public Library Access

1. I have suffered from anxiety and panic all of my life. The panic attacks did not come to surface as greatly until my first year in college. I walked into the college cafeteria and it hit me. I experienced sweating, shaking, and loss of control. I felt like I was going to pass out. I made a very large mistake -- the mistake that many of us who deal with panic make. I avoided the cafeteria where I experienced my attack...

2. The best way to deal with the panic is to educate yourself. There are plenty of excellent books that specialize in dealing with panic attacks.
   Having a therapist is essential in learning how to manage panic attacks as well. I immediately contacted a doctor and was set up with a therapist. Psychiatrists are very quick to prescribe **** which is highly addictive and a nightmare to withdrawal from. I don’t recommend drugs unless they are non-addictive. I've learned that the best thing you can do for yourself is to go back to the place or places where you have experienced panic attacks. This is a gateway to learning that you can do it and it allows you to become stronger.

3. Having a therapist is essential in learning how to manage panic attacks as well. I immediately contacted a doctor and was set up with a therapist. Psychiatrists are very quick to prescribe **** which is highly addictive and a nightmare to withdrawal from. I don’t recommend drugs unless they are non-addictive. I've learned that the best thing you can do for yourself is to go back to the place or places where you have experienced panic attacks. This is a gateway to learning that you can do it and it allows you to become stronger.

4. Self-talk is enormous in managing attacks.
   Learning to change fearful thoughts into non-fearful thoughts is crucial. For example, you may be thinking, “I can’t go. If I do, I may lose control and make an absolute fool of myself.” You can change that fearful thought into, “The fear of making a fool of me is merely a thought. Chances are, it won’t happen.” By starting to become more tolerant of whatever we experience in life and changing your self-talk will enable you to become stronger and get through tough experiences.

Tips & Warnings

• Educate yourself
• Get to the doctor immediately if you are having problems with anxiety
• Don't be afraid to switch doctors if you're not comfortable with him or her.
• Make sure you know what types of medications are being prescribed. Many anxiety drugs can become addictive and have serious side effects and withdrawal symptoms.

[hnatalieann]

on 10/2/2009 Very nice advice, thank you 5*'s and recommended!