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What is the best kind of therapy for panic disorder?

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Posted 9/19/2006 4:42 AM (GMT 0)
is extremely difficult to deal with. My sister is also a sufferer of this disorder for 11 years now.

I am now currently on Lexepro and Ativan after I had broke down and could no longer take having a panic attack every other day if not twice a day for the past couple months.

I've had anxiety/panic disorder on and off since I was 12 years old. It is miserable and I would never wish this upon anyone.

I think I would rather lose an arm than suffer with panic disorder, but such is life I spose.

My question is what is the best kind of therapy out there?

Drugs only do so much but I think talking would help too maybe? As I hate pretending I don't have anything wrong with me 24/7.

Regards

Twiggygal
Posted 9/19/2006 6:14 AM (GMT 0)
I am currently on Adivan as well for my panic. I take it twice a day, because if not then I have at least 1 panic attack a day, and I can't stand having them anymore. I also talk to someone once a week about all of my issues and anything that may be causing my attacks. I find that talking to a professional along with meds does help a lot! Because then I get a lot of what is worrying me out.
Posted 9/19/2006 6:26 AM (GMT 0)

Welcome to HealingWell Twiggy.  I know how frustrating it is to live with panic/anxiety. I've had it since I was 18, but started night terrors at age 5.  I also found acupuncture to be helpful, but mostly I exercise as much as I can and stay as busy as my panic let's me (ie part-time work - can't do full-time).  I've found this site a blessing as well.  Anytime you need to chat someone will be here (or along soon lol).  I hope we can all help you.

Hugs

Posted 9/19/2006 10:50 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome to HW......There is a great support system right here and the peeps are the best IMO......
We all have different degrees of A/P but can and do understand one another very well
There is CBT,relaxation techniques ,meditation and many other ways to cope with this DD
Stick around and more will post and you will find that I am being totally honest about the support here
It is a "family" here and we care and watch out for each other
Glad to have you abaord
Take care
Lyn
Posted 9/20/2006 3:50 AM (GMT 0)

Wow Twiggygal, Sounds pretty much like me with the symptoms and meds. The Lexapro was just changed to Effexor XR last week. So I cant comment much on how its working yet. But I have been taking Ativan for about 3 years now, was 1mg now 2mg a couple times a day as needed. But I agree with everything you say 100%. It is just AWFUL and I hate being ruined from work and driving because of this and some people think I have seizures but they are 100% NOT seizures. My attacks start with a little dizziness and sometimes maybe 5% I faint. But during this I feel my heart race and palms sweat, and my mind races all kinds of weird things. And this starts a good few minutes before the bad effects.

I just want to find a 100% way to get rid of this all and for everyone as far as that goes.

Good luck with everything Twig....
FEN

Posted 9/30/2006 9:36 AM (GMT 0)

Hi again, the meds are helping me a bit.  I decided to not chop off my arm... LOL.. just kidding.

Anyways, I'm glad to be apart of HW, and thanks for all the warm welcomes.

I've been taking baby steps and trying to do stuff that makes me slightly uncomfortable but what I know I can handle.  The other stuff (like going too far from my house or feeling like I'm in a situation where I can't escape) well that might have to wait for some time I think.

I think I might have to have my Ativan upped to 1 miligram as I'm only at .05 and it helps only a little.

I just hope I can get better is all.

Thanks again for the warm welcomes! :)

Twiggygal~

Posted 9/30/2006 2:45 PM (GMT 0)
hiya twiggy gal, beleated welcome, sorry, but so glad you are here ;)
baby steps are the way to go for me too, small steps are very important and do help more than you realize sometimes. I hope you start to feel better real soon, and i hope we all can get better, just takes time. Take care and keep us posted
shell
Posted 9/30/2006 5:12 PM (GMT 0)
Twiggypal - I think my best advice for you would be to talk to someone like a therapist or psychologist. Most people get offended when you tell them that a counsler or therapist could help out a deal of their problems. The thing is finding the right one. There are some out there that only do it for the money and there are some out there that honestly care about helping you out. There are also medicines non narcotic and narcotic that can help you with your anxiety. ie. Valium (Diazepam), Xanax (Alprazolam), Ativan (Lorazepam), Klonopin (Clonazepam) and Buspar (Buspirone). Those aren't all of them but those are just a few to name. As you might know these meds (benzodiazepines) are also addictive.  

 

I've also always been very nervous and suffered from anxiety and depression. My anxiety is brought on by death. I'm always thinking about death. Like when I look at my mom it just brings me to tears to see her go and even myself. I take Valium 10mgs for anxiety.

 

Twiggypal - Hope you seek out the proper help and get well. *hugz*

Posted 9/30/2006 7:02 PM (GMT 0)
tongue  Hi Twiggygal - Read your post with interest. I have suffered with panic attacks all my 53 years due to my disorder (Benign Essential Tremor). I have found two things that are not a cure, but they are a great big help: Firstly; wake with a smile. Look in the mirror & see a beautiful person. Tell yourself you are going to be positive & feel good today. Go out with positivity & don't let the bad vibes get you! Secondly; sign in here every day & you'll soon realise just how many people care & are thinking of you. Support is a BIG ISSUE with our problems. Remember; it IS just a problem - we CAN overcome them. I wish you well & look forward to hearing of your cheery & positive future. Sincerely, Peter
Posted 9/30/2006 8:37 PM (GMT 0)
hi twiggygal, i hope your feeling better.
Peter, what a great post, its great to keep postitive, a key to all happiness ;)
shell
Posted 10/1/2006 2:14 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Peter, I think that's a good idea.

Some days it's hard to be positive but I'm trying.  :)

Wednesday-  I'm glad you figured out it was a joke! LOL  I think I need my arm, more than likely.  LOL

Shell67- in some respects I'm feeling a bit better, and in other ways I'm not.  I still have problems with going out with friends and staying calm.  But I do try to go out to places that aren't too far from my house.  :)

I've also come to find Walmart is therapeutic (I think, but maybe not for my wallet) for my anxiety.  Sort of.  I have had a fear for a while of stores (and malls) and hate being in them because I start panicing and feel trapped, like there's too many people.  So now I'm going to go to Walmart once a week, (but try to not shop TOO much LOL) I just get lost in looking at all the stuff and try to get past the panic I feel when I'm in a store.

Baby steps... hehe

Poky22- I would go to a therapist or psychologist, in fact I'd love to but have no health insurance right now.  :(  Every health insurance quote I've found doesn't seem to cover mental health, but I'm still searching for the right insurance policy.

Oi.. lol... and my meds are so dang expensive too.  Lexapro is $96 a MONTH??? Ridiculous I say!

*shrug*

Thanks for replying you all.  :)

and thanks for the warm welcomes!

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