Posted by Larry Hoover on December 5, 2002, at 9:18:04
In reply to For Larry Hoover/Marijuana causing Panic Disorder?, posted by Suzi on December 5, 2002, at 2:38:15
> Larry,
>
> 7 years ago I smoked pot and had an extremely terrifying, horrific, halluicitory reaction. It has, to this day, been the worst thing that has ever happened to me. A year later I tried pot again and had the EXACT same reaction. As time went by I began experiencing the same symptoms even while I was sober.
>
> Seven years later, a diagnosis of anxiety and depression, and I still feel screwed up. I have taken paxil on 4 different occasions starting about 2 years ago (it really only worked for me the first time). I have also tried many other non-drug approaches and nothing seems to be helping me. I don't experience the hallucinations or the actual panic attack anymore, but the fear that it will happen ruins my life.
>
> The worst part is I am an actor and being in front of people has just gotten harder and harder.
>
> What are some of your thoughts, impressions, suggestions?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Robert DeNiro
>
> (Sadly my name isn't really SUZI and on top of it all I'm not really a girl)Well, I guess the Johnny Cash song "A Boy Named Sue" wasn't breaking ground after all. ;-)
I don't see any mention of cognitive therapy in your history, above. I'm not saying it's all in your head, but it is a problem that you are struggling to cope with. I strongly suggest that you take a guided look at your coping strategies.
Anticipatory fear is something you can learn to diminish. One acronym for fear is "False Expectations Appearing Real". Change your expectations and fear disappears.
Lar
poster:Larry Hoover
thread:130610
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021203/msgs/130621.html