| Mental health is one of the last frontiers in | | | | weeks or sometimes even days to treatments |
| medicine because we can't measure the | | | | for panic attacks, no one responds the same. |
| problem. To many of the problems are | | | | Furthermore, no known treatments for panic |
| considered "in your head" that it's only now | | | | work instantly. Be prepared to spend at least |
| being recognized as an honest illness. I am | | | | a full two months following your initial |
| a sufferer of depression and panic attacks. | | | | course of treatment before you start judging |
| It takes everything I have everyday just to | | | | its effectiveness. If you still haven't |
| get up and be somewhat productive. Although | | | | experienced the improvement you were seeking, |
| everything appears to be well with my life, | | | | you can always work with your provider to |
| in reality it's a day to day existence with | | | | adjust your treatment plan then.3. Be Alert |
| little thought of actually getting better. | | | | To Side EffectsIf part of your treatment |
| What I hope for is just getting through the | | | | involves medication, you will likely need to |
| day. It's in this spirit that I offer | | | | be aware and provide a lot of feedback to the |
| | | | doctor until the dose and type of medicine is |
| the following suggestions. Remember that | | | | determined. Make certain your doctor |
| I'm not a medical doctor and everyone should | | | | explains to you the side effects you might |
| seek treatment if only to validate that | | | | have to expect. Usually they get easier to |
| you're not crazy!Panic attacks come on at any | | | | tolerate with time but it's critical that you |
| time of the day or night. If you're ever | | | | know what to expect. Your doctor may begin |
| been so scared and out of control, then | | | | lowering your dosage, or trying alternatives |
| you've probably had a taste of what a panic | | | | if the side effects are pronounced or cannot |
| attack feels like to the typical sufferer. | | | | be tolerated.4. Join A Panic Disorder |
| Ever feel as if you were in immanent danger | | | | Support GroupIf misery loves companionship, |
| and had to flee? That's kind of what a panic | | | | then a great source of support, relief and |
| attack feels like. It comes on strong, | | | | information for those who suffer from panic |
| scares the heck out of you, and it's | | | | attacks can be found in the support group. |
| | | | Now I'm NOT a big fan of support groups in |
| goneHere are a few ideas on how to cope... | | | | that they tend to validate problems instead |
| | | | of focusing on fixing or living with them. I |
| Once you've finally visited doctor and have | | | | do recognize however that some people find |
| been diagnosed with panic attacks you will be | | | | great solace and support in these groups and |
| offered a course of treatment. In order to | | | | for those people, please attend and enjoy. |
| make sure the treatment has the best chance | | | | Most attendees will be talking about their |
| of succeeding, YOU need to take control of | | | | experiences, their treatments and coping |
| your life!1. Participate in Your TreatmentDo | | | | tips.Just keeping these tips in mind and |
| not sit back and wait for relief to come by | | | | putting them to use during your treatment may |
| itself! You must remain active and aware of | | | | help make you feel much better and increase |
| your mind and body's reactions to treatment. | | | | your chances of treatment being |
| Be ready and willing to ask any and every | | | | effective.Abigail Franks writes on a variety |
| question and to address every concern you | | | | of subjects which include family, home, and |
| have with your health care provider. Open | | | | health. She has studied many facets of our |
| lines of communication will increase the | | | | emotional well being and the problems of |
| chance of control and success.2. Be | | | | panic attacks. |
| PatientWhile many patients respond within | | | | |