Over the last two years I have received thousands of e-mails from people all over the world asking advice on how to deal with panic attacks and most of the time my advice is the same. Find a Qualified Psychologist in your area for a complete diagnosis and STAY in therapy. I believe that medication should be used to help deal with the attacks as you learn how to control the attacks through therapy. The medication should be used along with therapy, not alone. Please remember, I am not a Doctor and this advice is just my opinion.

Something else I have found that has helped me more than medication is finding something that I enjoy doing. My outlet is designing graphics and web pages. Within the last several months I have started my own web design business. When my mind is on my work I have found that I rarely think about my panic disorder. If you would like to see my latest project you can view my business by clicking on the following banner.

 

Part III (July 29, 2004)

Its hard to believe it has been seven years since last updating my story.  My husband and I have had quite a few exciting changes in our lives.  Our son was married in 1999 and they had a beautiful baby girl (Emma) born in December of 2002.  She is now a very energetic two year old that keeps us all busy.  On June 17th we had our second grandbaby, James Edward, named after my father.  Second to having to wonderful healthy grandbabies, I have been blessed that my panic attacks have, for the most part, completely stopped.  It has been over three years since having one.  I have come to the conclusion, after many years of research, that acceptance is the key to overcoming this debilitating disorder.  In other works, I no longer fear the fear.  If my heart begins to beat fast or if I feel dizzy I do not starting asking myself the "what if's".  I accept that these type things happen occasionally and it is nothing to fear.  I do, however, still have bouts of anxiety.  The type that causes me to clinch my teeth and causes heart palpitations, but again I do not allow myself to fear these symptoms so ultimately a panic attack is not the result.

It took me many years to get to this point and I have spoken with numerous others that have come to this same conclusion, once you no longer have fear of t panic attacks they go away.  Many people are able to get to where I am now very quickly, others may take much longer, but I think once you do you will no longer have to fear this disorder. 

We have a variety of treatment options on the site which I feel can be wonderful aids in getting you through the attacks and helping you to learn to deal with and eventually help them go away completely.  I invite you to take a look at the first eight to nine links under the treatment section.  There you may find one of these treatments that can help you in your struggle. 

I hope someday medical research will find a "cure" for anxiety/panic disorder, but in the meantime try to keep a positive attitude and know in your heart that panic attacks will not hurt you.  They can be devastating, but no one has ever died from a panic attack and you no longer have to fear the fear.  Please feel free to send me your personal anxiety story.

God Bless....
Amy Roberts