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