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Insomnia and more

Q. I am a long time anxiety/panic attack/agoraphobia victim, a legacy from my mother and grandmother, and although I was in therapy years ago, I don't believe I was able to successfully resolve this disorder as I still avoid driving on highways - nine years later.

I have been suffering from insomnia for the last eight months, which has triggered continuous anxiety and panic - or perhaps, it's the other way around. Quite frankly, I'm so "undone," I can't tell. I have again entered into therapy with someone who specializes in anxiety disorders. We had a preliminary discussion about medication in which I stated my strong opposition. Although this therapist did not recommend anything at this point, she suggested that I keep my options open and will, if the time comes, give me all the information necessary so that I may make an informed decision. Although I don't want to take anything, I feel so horrible that I will do anything to feel better.

I really like the idea of taking back my power!!!!! Can CBT help me?

A. Yes, if you practice the Cognitive Skills as in CBT you can take back the power! There are so many of us who have done so. Ask your therapist if she/he practices CBT. If not, ask them to refer you on to someone who can.

As you are aware, there is the family predisposition for an Anxiety Disorder. But you can recover. In our parents and grandparents generation, there wasn't the treatment available, so people didn't recover. Now we can!

There is no doubt the insomnia would be making everything so much worse. Part of the problem would be your self-talk....'what if I can't go to sleep....I have to go to sleep....I won't get through tomorrow,' etc. This will keep you awake!!!

Have you tried meditation? As well as using meditation as part of the overall recovery program, we get people to meditate themselves to sleep, as this really helps. Many people say it gives them the best sleep they've ever had. Plus, the added bonus of meditation is it is the oldest cognitive technique in the world. It can really teach you about your thinking and how to manage it.

Medication can be necessary when the going gets tough, but we do advise people to also learn CBT. This way, once people withdraw from the medication they have the skills needed for full recovery.

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