| Anxiety and panic attack therapy is | | | | anxiety-related problems. If you've never |
| effective, so sufferers can take hope. The | | | | been on any before, don't be afraid. |
| time it takes to see improvements will depend | | | | |
| on each situation. Sometimes prescribed | | | | It's important to realize that sometimes, a |
| medications can take a few months before full | | | | medication might not work well for you. DON'T |
| benefits are realized. | | | | be upset by this. It happens. Tell your |
| | | | doctor and you'll be prescribed something |
| Work closely with your doctor and you must | | | | else. There's always one that WILL work for |
| try your best to do what is asked, even | | | | you. |
| though it can be uncomfortable sometimes. Be | | | | |
| prepared and motivated. Have a support | | | | It's thought that a combination of treatments |
| person, if possible, to see you through tough | | | | such as CBT and medication often produces the |
| times. This can be a family member or friend. | | | | best results. Again, this depends on whether |
| | | | you need it or not. Your doctor will tell |
| Therapy Does Work | | | | you. |
| | | | |
| Having anxiety and panic attack therapy does | | | | Are You Brave Enough To Try This? |
| work. Depending on each person and the | | | | |
| severity of your problem, treatment and | | | | Here are some tricks you can do on your own, |
| therapy can take different forms. | | | | but please speak to your doctor first to be |
| | | | absolutely sure. If you have other medical |
| For some, one kind of therapy will be enough. | | | | issues like asthma, lung or heart problems, |
| For others, a combination of two or more | | | | DO NOT do this without your doctor's |
| forms may be used. Be aware that you need | | | | permission. |
| patience. Don't put added pressure on | | | | |
| yourself to get well. | | | | Purposely hyperventilate. Breathe in and out |
| | | | through your mouth (rapidly) for about 30 |
| Do not give yourself a time frame like, "I | | | | seconds, a little longer if you can manage |
| must get well in 3 months, otherwise I have | | | | it. This will produce some physical |
| this forever." Please don't do this. If you | | | | sensations and perhaps even a panic attack. |
| do what you need to, you will see progress, | | | | |
| whether you like it or not! | | | | Spin around several times and make yourself |
| | | | dizzy. Stop and feel what you feel. Stay with |
| Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is very | | | | it. If your panic affects you in the chest, |
| effective therapy. CBT helps you change your | | | | try running on the spot to increase your |
| thinking as well as your behavior. It's very | | | | heart rate. |
| likely that you will use CBT for anxiety and | | | | |
| panic. | | | | The idea is to create sensations similar to a |
| | | | panic attack and slowly lose your fear of the |
| With CBT, you and your doctor can work out a | | | | sensations. When panic does strike, it may |
| plan. You may be given homework to practice, | | | | not be so bad. Practice a couple of times a |
| develop a list of goals to gradually expose | | | | day. |
| you to anxiety-provoking situations and | | | | |
| keeping a journal, amongst other things. | | | | Anxiety and panic attack therapy can be in |
| | | | various forms, but they will eventually start |
| You may also be asked to take medication. | | | | to improve your condition. Be patient, you |
| There are many drugs available for panic and | | | | can do this. |