Getting treatment for panic attacks—important advice
Getting treatment for panic attacksimportant advice
Having repeated episodes of fear called panic attacks that are typical of panic disorder can be very devastating. Avoidance of panic attacks can take totally take control of your life.
If you don't seek treatment, you may continue to have panic attacks for years. This disorder can seriously affect your relationships with your family, friends and co-workers. Your life may become severely restricted, without treatment. As an example, you may avoid some situations where you fear you will experience a panic attack even if the normal everyday activities, such as driving or even grocery shopping.
In some extreme cases, people with untreated panic disorders grow afraid to leave the house and become reclusive. You may find it difficult to be productive at work without treatment. These symptoms may keep you from getting to your job or keeping you there once you arrive. It can make you turn down promotions or new job assignments that you believe will cause you to have panic attacks. With panic disorder some people even quit their jobs.
Most can keep working, but seldom leave home. You may become severely depressed without treatment. You may try to numb the symptoms of panic disorder or depression with alcohol or other drugs.
Even thoughts of suicide may begin to cross your mind. This is not the way you have to live. Panic disorder is treatable and you can get help. Proper treatment reduces or completely stops panic attacks in about 75 to 90 percent of the people who suffer with them. Most people feel substantial relief in just weeks or months. There are some people that are reluctant to seek treatment. Maybe they think their condition is not serious. Maybe they feel embarrassed. Some blame themselves or have trouble asking for help. And maybe they dislike the idea of medication or therapy.
Maybe their condition was not diagnosed or treated effectively when they sought help. Do not let these reasons stop you from getting proper treatment. Just as you would for any serious medical illness, get whatever help necessary to overcome your panic disorder. Some people will you tell "It's nothing to worry about. It's just stress." It's all in your head. Just snap out of it. They often mean well, but the fact is most people that do not have panic disorder do not understand that it is REAL and doubt its seriousness.
It is very important not to try to numb the effects of panic attacks with alcohol or other drugs. This will only make the problem worse.