Anxiety Disorder Relapses - Anxiety and Panic Disorder Relapses

Written by HealthyPlace.com Staff Writer

backfire: I have terrible anxiety before my periods. Is this common?

Dr. Goodman: Yes. And stress management becomes even more important.

David: Here are a few audience responses on what you've found helpful in dealing with a relapse?

zulie: I have found that not beating yourself up during a relapse is very helpful.

TeriMUL: I found that when I quit taking Prozac, the panic came back within 4 months. I will probably be on an antidepressant for the rest of my life, and I'm ok with that.

DottieCom1: Remember you've come through this many times before.

David: One of the common themes here, Dr. Goodman, is to remain hopeful that you will get through this.

Dr. Goodman: Definitely. Anxiety disorders are highly treatable; people do recover.

David: And to be accepting of your situation.

Dr. Goodman: Acceptance is an importance precondition of change.

David: Here are a few more audience comments:

zulie: Be in touch with others who have the same problems, so that you won't feel alone.

Ang58: I am in the recovery stages of panic disorder and agoraphobia, which I have done basically alone, but I just can't seem to kick the fear of there being something seriously wrong with me. This causes me to have anxiety and panic symptoms. Any suggestions?

Dr. Goodman: What do you believe is really wrong with you?

Ang58: I guess I really fear that I have caused myself to have heart trouble or something like that.

Dr. Goodman: It's a good idea to have a medical evaluation so you know the reality.

Ang58: I have just become so in-tune with every little twinge my body makes:)

Dr. Goodman: Yes. This is very typical and part of the problem. You might try distracting your mind from your body and all the nuances. Realize that focusing on your anxiety symptoms and being afraid of them is keeping the anxiety cycle alive.

David: How important is it for a person to get professional treatment immediately after suffering a relapse? Would it be true, that the longer you wait, the harder it is to recover?

Dr. Goodman: I think it depends, but in general I believe in treatment sooner than later, so that the anxiety/panic cycle doesn't take hold so strongly.

angggelina: I've had Panic Disorder/Anxiety for 30 years. I've been housebound since 1981. I live in a small town with one mental health clinic. I've seen every anxiety "specialist" there. I'm listed as severe/chronic and left to my own devices now. I'm on Medicaid and I can't afford private counseling. I've tried practicing on my own with a support person, but it's too inconsistent. What can I do to get better?

Dr. Goodman: Have you tried any of the self-help strategies that have been described on anxiety websites?

David: There are also anxiety tape programs available. As Dr. Goodman stated, having a skilled therapist is helpful, but if you can't access one, you might try the tapes.

Both Bronwyn Fox and Lucinda Bassett have been our guests (actually, Carolyn Dickman came in for Lucinda Bassett). You can read their and other transcripts here.

Dr. Goodman: There are two very good programs on my links page. Lucinda Bassett's program is one of them. CHAANGE is other.

Steffane: When I have a panic attack now, I am starting to take the attitude of "this is another normal thing my body is going through just like stubbing my toe." It doesn't seem to make them any less severe or shorter, but I find myself able to tolerate them better. Am I approaching this right, or am I just making them ultimately something part of my life?

Dr. Goodman: This is a good question. Taking the fear component out of having a panic attack is an important first step. Now you need to go to the next step learning to reduce your anxiety symptoms when they happen.

David: Here are a few more responses from the audience regarding what you've found helpful in dealing with a relapse?

blair: You know that you are not going "crazy" and that it will pass.

amfreeas: Being in rural Australia, using these special chat sites, and talking to others with the same problems, have dropped my concerns and my prima donna thinking dramatically!!

David: Thank you, Dr. Goodman, for being our guest tonight and for sharing your suggestions and insights with us. Also, thank you to the audience for coming and participating.

Dr. Goodman: Thank you for inviting me.David: Have a good night everyone.

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Disclaimer: We are not recommending or endorsing any of the suggestions of our guest. In fact, we strongly encourage you to talk over any therapies, remedies or suggestions with your doctor BEFORE you implement them or make any changes in your treatment.

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Good night everyone.

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