The medical literature indicates that anxiety disorder (specifically
panic attacks) do lessen in frequency and intensity over time. If
I recall correctly, they often completely disappear in about eight
years after initial onset.
However, if you are early-on in the 8-year timeframe, do not
despair. Here are some ideas that have helped me greatly in
dealing with anxiety/panic disorder:
I am 56 years old and have dealt with bouts of anxiety and depression
(several times with prescription medications) -- with varying degrees
of success.
About a year ago, after being off Paxil for about a year, I
started having severe anxiety symptoms. I decided to try to
manage my symptoms without prescription medication.
Not surprisingly, my anxiety symptoms got in the way of this plan --
because I avoided going to my doctor about this for about three
months. In the meantime, my symptoms continued to worsen -- until
finally, I had no choice but to seek medical help.
As it happens, I live in the State of Oregon -- one of only a few
states which recognize homeopathy. I am very fortunate to have a
Doctor (M.D.) who is also a Homeopathic Physician -- a rare bird indeed.
Long story short, my anxiety symptoms have disappeared over the course
of a month or so -- as a result of taking four tiny 'sugar pills' (a
common delivery method for homeopathic remedies) daily.
You may not have homeopathy
available as a resource. Even if you do, and decide to try it,
your experience may not prove as positive as mine did. Still, I
thought my success with it was worth sharing with you.
With regard to some common related issues -- again, from personal
experience I can tell you that almost anything can bring on anxiety
and/or a panic attack in someone who is susceptible. In my own
case, if my stomach is overly full -- especially when laying down at
night -- this can affect my breathing enough to make me a bit
anxious. Intestinal gas can also bring this on. In both
cases, I think the 'fullness' in my stomach causes pressure on my
diaphragm -- making it difficult to take a deep breath -- which, as I'm
sure you may know, can start the hyperventilation/anxiety/panic attack
merry-go-round.
I recommend that you avoid eating heavy within three hours of going to
bed -- and, if your abdomen becomes bloated after eating, that you consider using an over-the-counter anti-gas
medication (such as GasEx) when needed.
Interestingly, a full bowel can also bring on anxiety symptoms. I
was told some years ago, by a Naturopathic Doctor, that this is because
a full bowel puts pressure on the Vagus Nerve -- which runs the length
of the body and is involved with many of our autonomic functions such
as breathing and heart rate.
Breathing exercises can also be extremely helpful in dealing with panic and anxiety.
Regarding obsessive thoughts -- which are often part of the panic/anxiety/depression picture -- exercise,
keeping busy -- and especially getting involved with and focusing on
helping other people can do wonders. We don't worry about
ourselves as much when we focus on people ans\d matters outside of ourselves.
Click on the above links for additional information.
Let me know if you need more input. If not, thanks for the
opportunity to assist you... Please honor my efforts by pushing the
green 'Accept' button (located within this post -- above-right).
Adding a bonus -- should you wish to do so -- would be warmly welcomed.
Good Luck!
Steve
Counselor /listener/collaborative problem solver. Thanks!