Panic and Other Anxiety Disorders

Panic and other anxiety disorders have long been both puzzling and frustrating, especially to the person going through it. It always seems like a 'mystery illness' that no one can figure out.

The problem is, a lot of the time, anxiety disorders can mimic other more serious conditions. So the patient rushes to emergency and is eventually told there's nothing wrong, even after extensive tests.

Also, most people never take a mental health problem seriously, unless they, or someone they know has it. It almost seems like respectable people don't talk about 'these things'.

Mental health problems are like robberies. You never think it will happen to you, just to someone else.

Going From Doctor To Doctor

Another problem is that most doctors can't help, since they are not trained for mental issues. Unless you go to a specific doctor like a psychiatrist, you may go for years, looking for the 'right' doctor.

This ends up being costly. It is also disturbing and can make you angry or depressed. You may even lose your faith with doctors. However, if you see a cardiologist because you have chest pains, chances are nothing will show up.

So it's not entirely the doctor's fault. They can only do what they are trained in. If you feel that nothing has worked, it's best to see a psychiatrist. If you have been given a clean bill of health, you may have an anxiety disorder.

Anxiety disorders are a lot more common than most people think, yet, they are also not very understood. Though there are many theories, no one can say what causes it.

List of some of the anxiety disorders:

- panic disorder

- agoraphobia (with or without panic disorder)

- social anxiety disorder (or social phobia)

- generalized anxiety disorder

- separation anxiety disorder

- obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Importance Of Accepting Your Anxiety Disorder

Though anxiety disorders can be treated, unfortunately, you have to remember that it's not a cure. It is also possible for it to return, perhaps years later when you're feeling absolutely fine.

Although each person's situation is unique and will react to treatments differently, the important thing to remember is that help is always available. If something doesn't work, something else will.

It's important to learn coping skills during treatment and to maintain it even after you start feeling better. Think of it as exercise for your mind. If you went for a jog, you wouldn't go for your next jog one year later, would you? (Maybe I might!)

You develop an exercise program and you stick with it. Think of your anxiety disorder skills in the same light. Maintenance is the key.

One important thing about panic and other anxiety disorders is to accept that you have it. This may be hard to do, as it's more natural to want to fight it.

Accept that it's a part of you. Understand what's happening to you. Educate yourself. With constant practice, you should start making tremendous progress.