What are your best "known" treatments for Panic and Anxiety disorders???

Question

Suffering from Panic attacks, anxiety, and depression for over 14 years... Have tried numerous drugs, treatments, herbs, etc.... Some have helped .... But, no long term remidies found??? I really want to help my friend can anyone help please????? ..... Peace....

I want to Thank you all for your helpful insights and for those of you sharing extensive knowledge and experience a very special appreciation...... Peace....

Answer 1

The thing most people still don't seem to realize about these diseases is that they are very difficult to overcome. Nine times out of ten, you can't just "snap out of it," or come to some overly simplistic realization about it and revert completely to the way you were before. For me, it has been a years-long struggle.

Since starting medication and CBT in August of 2005, I have improved tremendously. I realize that what I did to get better is not a method that will work for everyone, but I do know this: People get better when they really want to. And that means that they seek their own treatment--and they COMMIT to it, wholeheartedly. Do you follow your doctor's advice? Do you take your medicine exactly as you've been instructed? Do you throw yourself into the prescribed treatment, especially if it's CBT? Many people don't and then turn around, blame their doctors for their lack of progress, and go tell everyone they know that such-and-such treatment doesn't work. This is how respected, first-line treatments get a bad rap...the bad rap, in turn, scares away people who could really benefit from such therapy, and they then become more anxious and depressed because they think nothing will help them.

My advice to you is to stop looking for a "long-term remedy." There is no cure for this, but there are treatments, most of which are short-term, require the complete cooperation of the patient, and can (and do) provide long-lasting benefits. I personally believe there is a treatment out there for everyone. What matters most is your attitude. So before you see another doctor, set some personal goals for yourself and read as much as you can about the different kinds of doctors and treatments out there so that you can know what to expect.

Good luck.

Answer 2

I am so so sorry you are going thru this. I have suffered for many years from depression BUT after a particularly bad couple of years, (bereavement, illnesses in the family); I suddenly started having panic attacks. The symptoms were sweating, shaking, palpitations, pins and needles and hardly able to leave the house. My doc put me on 3 diazapan a day (5 mg) and 2 prozac a day for a month. This helped SO MUCH especially the diazapan. I am now on 1 diazapan and 1 prozac and am feeling much better. I really would recommend the diazapan (valium) but only on a short term basis cos they can be very addictive. Please also see a Counsellor (I see one thru my local Medical Practice). Maybe you could do the same? This helps, being able to talk to someone who is Neutral ie. not a friend of family member, I know I have serious worries which started my panic attacks. Think very carefully if there is something deep inside you which is bringing these attacks on. I also found meditation and deep breathing exercises very good. You can find these techniques on the Internet. Eat a good, balanced diet and try adding a good quality B vitamin supplement (this is very healing for nervous/panic conditions). I do hope you feel better soon. I know how awful these attacks are and I will be thinking of you.

Answer 3

Okay, this question strikes a nerve with me.

My ex-wife had severe panic attacks that would cause her airway to completely close off. Twice I had to manually open her airway after she lost consciousness and was still not breathing.
The cause of her panic attacks was childhood molestation and abuse. The triggers were random and unpredictable.
The solution is simple. Deal with the issues that cause the attacks. My ex could not and still cannot. Because of this she still has the attacks, is unable to have a stable relationship and sabotages everything that is good in her life. She became a cutter. She is always afraid, even when she's happy.
You want known treatments. Here it is. Your friend must face their issues and overcome them. They may even have to face who did it to them. They must realize that bad things happen sometimes and they can't go through life feeling sorry for themselves. They MUST not blame themselves and they MUST not act like a victim. The panic attacks will not stop until your friend has the courage to face the issue(s). Nor will they ever be able to give freely of themselves to someone nor will they likely be able to maintain a long term relationship.
The poor me attitude has to be overcome and your friend must learn to accept what caused the attacks and dominate the fear of it. This will take a new understanding of what happened, an understanding that their life is now under their control, rejection of the idea that they are to blame, rejection of the poor me mentality, and maybe even some justice and/or forgiveness.
Tell your friend to have some courage and, above all, don't become addicted to the sympathy from others that panic attacks generate. Rather, learn to despise it.
Lastly, drugs just mask what's happening. Don't attack the symptoms, eliminate the source of the problem. Repair the mind. It's crucial.

Answer 4

has your friend been evaluated for bipolar disorder?, that could cause all of the things you mentioned. Your friend would need to be diagnosed by a psychiatrist and put on meds ( a psychiatrist is an MD with additional training in psychology) additionally, therapy with a licensed professional counselor is usually warranted. There are a few 'specialists' out there who may be able to help with panic disorder. However, if the mood disorders are organic, your friend will most likely have to take meds to become stable (and it may take a few tries to find the right medical 'cocktail'). Meditation, deep breathing, yoga, and progressive relaxation techniques can help relieve stress and panic but are contraindicated for depression, mild depression can be helped by exercise (a 30 minute brisk walk, daily in the sunlight can do wonders!) Do a google search on the things I mentioned for more information, and have your friend get a physical checkup first as well as a psychological one...some physical diseases and disorders can cause panic and depression...Good Luck!

Answer 5

I am so happy, it was only a 35 minute drive ( 70 minutes total) but absolutely no sign of anxiety or panic i shopped till I dropped - brilliant! I will now go for the next stage DUAL CARRIAGE way, probably at the weekend, with my husband accompanying me first then the solo drive, if successful the final stage of driving on motorway

Beat Anxiety And Panic Attacks Naturally?

Answer 6

Sometimes nothing will help until YOU are ready to confront the issues that bother you which may be deep rooted in your subconscious. There are resources on the net check them out if you are interested. And know that taking drugs does not help in the long run.You need to have a balance of drugs and therepy consistently to get better usually.

The anxiety Panic internet resource

Answer 7

I have had both of these disorders since I was a youth. Years ago!!!!!!!! I can't seem to get over it. I usually stay in the house and live with it. If I go out, I need a close friend or family member to go with me.

Answer 8

I am getting off Paxil and I have anxiety and panic attacks... I was told to take Omega 3 fish oil with e and c

The difference in one day was incredible. I thought it was hogwash... Its not and its proven to help with depression and mental health

Answer 9

Hey, why not check out this site:

http://www.cureanxietydisorder.com/cure.html

It has helped many people stop panic/anxiety attacks....

All the best...

Answer 10

the linden method.

http://www.panic-anxiety.com/

right now ive been dealing with mild anxiety but only because i have been slacking off on the program. but i can stop anxiety when ever i want