Posted by LLL on August 8, 2002, at 9:07:25
In reply to Re: taking a long trip,fraking out.help, posted by felipe on August 8, 2002, at 0:27:27
I've had panic disorder and agorphobia for 16 years. During that time my symptoms were either in some phase of remission wherein I functioned quite well to being in total relapse. I am currently crawling out of a total relapse after enjoying about 8 years of near total remission. I too can totally relate to your experience because currently Im having trouble with a car trip over 20 minutes. I am taking an AD to treat my disorder, however it will be weeks before it takes effect. But, what I am doing, is practicing all of my CBT, by reading, doing meditation, relaxation exercises and challenging the anxious thinking (and you're having the anxious catastrophopic thinking) which guarantees a panic attack. Yes, facing your fears is the way to go. However, flooding yourself with panic when you're no where ready to deal with it - is not. You may end up just reinforcing and worsening your symptoms. Yes, benzos work, although your anxiety will tell you right now "maybe they really won't", but it may mean keeping a steady stream of them in your symstem. That alone however is not the answer and I encourage you to begin some self help as described above. Although my AD hasn't yet taken effect, I am making strides each day by doing what I mentioned above and am increasing my confidence in my abilities to handle "this monster".
poster:LLL
thread:115623
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020807/msgs/115656.html