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