Cognitive behavioral therapy

The first thing we do if we feel bad is going to see a doctor. Anxiety and panic attacks isn't exception, but in some way it is. The illness manifests itself in strong physical sensations which scare the sufferer and make him believe something is terribly wrong with his heart or stomach, but it's all in a head after all. If you are reading this blog, you are probably already sure there is nothing physically wrong with you, but if you just had a panic attack, and not sure about your general health, please go to your family physician and do a check up. It's important to know that all your physical sensations are not coming from real problem with internal organs, but caused by excessive adrenalin.

You should seek the advice from your family practitioner, but be very careful with what you say to him or her. You may tend to unintentionally exaggerate what's happening in your head just because you are overly sensitized, and everything in your mind is blown out of proportion. The only thing you want to know visiting your family doctor the first time is that there is nothing wrong physically, if it is so, that means you've had a panic attack, and in this case, physician is of little help, the doctor you need is a psychologist. Nervous illness is conceived by your mind, and it can be beaten by your mind only. Antidepressants, anxiolytic drugs, and sedatives are  there to help you, but they won't do the job for you, you'll need to change in order to beat those attacks, it's very hard to get on the path required to desensitize your nerves, but unless you do it, there is little to be achieved by Xanax or Cipralex.

The most important thing to do if you suffer from anxiety and panic attacks is to seek the advice of experienced psychologist, who preferably is specializing in treating such disorders. This specialist knows about the illness a lot more than family physician, he will ask the right questions, he'll know what you feel, he'll try to dig out all those skeletons from your closet which caused the stress to mount in a first place. You will learn a great deal about what's happening to you, and you'll start to teach yourself how to avoid the escalation of fear. One thing to remember, the fear is born in your head, it's the reaction to strange feelings which are brought upon by your over sensitized body, by confused and tired brain. The process of understanding and learning is the beginning of Cognitive behavioral therapy, which is going to give you all tools necessary to beat the illness. But make no mistake, the process will take time, try to be patient, don't despair, although  the patience is probably the hardest thing to ask from the sufferer. When I started my therapy I was so bad, I couldn't tolerate any wait. Standing in line, waiting for a doctor, attending group meetings at work was a torture. With the time it will become much easier, trust me. It's always worth to remember that thing may get worse before they get better, please don't despair, by loosing hope you prolong the illness and make road for more disturbing thoughts, panic attacks and bad mood.

I was lucky to have very experienced social worker providing cognitive behavioral therapy. She was able to make me feel comfortable with who am I, she helped me to solve many problems which tortured me for years, she helped me with understanding of how to change my attitude towards myself, and life in general. Overall it was very positive and fruitful relationship which gave me a lot, and made me understand many things. I have to admit, if I wasn't suffering from my condition, I would probably benefit much less from what came as a side effect of my therapy. The illness taught me two things I lacked before - patience and ability to listen. At the end I know I'm  becoming a better person, I'm finding new path, I feel more confident, more secure, and more self sufficient than before.