Panic dosorder

[Sierramist]

Hello can anyone tell me, does cognitive behavioral therapy really work for panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and agoraphobia? I start therapy tomorrow and I’m hoping it works. I’m terrified I’m stuck like this forever.

[Sodown]

I am waiting on high intense cbt been waiting 9 months now its horrible

[Agora1]

Hi Sierramist (love that username) x I had all 3, Panic Disorder, GAD and Agoraphobia.

The important word here is "had". You will not be stuck like this forever. Anything will

work if you are willing to put your all into it. I wish you good luck in starting therapy tomorrow. Be Patient, Stay Positive and be Pro Active in going forward. xx

[PastelPink20]

It’s a start! It’s where you can start!

I think we are all a little different and there are a lot of factors that contribute to the success of something or the causes of mental health disorders.

Congrats on choosing to start therapy! I know that can be a difficult first step. Good job on reaching out and making that change to take care of you!!

For me, my CBT has been helpful.

The thing about anxiety is how much it is mind and body. So, you might have to try a variety of things (and consistently try them) for you to find a sustainable solution.

For me, will I ever be completely cured? I don’t think so. That makes me feel hopeless. But, can I reduce my symptoms to where they aren’t severely impacting my quality of life? Yes! So then, my measure of success is more defined and reachable there.

Therapy is a part of the solution; it is not the sufficient by itself. You live with you all day. Therapy is 30 minutes or 60 minutes a week or biweekly or a month, depending on you.

What I have learned: my mental health and physical health requires me to follow through and use what I’ve learned. I must be intentional about actually trying and using and doing what my therapist says.

To be honest, often times, I am not.

My therapy has helped me!! Sorry, that’s a long answer for a simple statement. I just also know that other people recommend: meditation, EMDR, prescriptions, dietary and lifestyle changes, and church/religious support.

In addition: it’s okay if the first appointment or few appointments don’t go well. It takes some feeling out and getting used to. Awkward beginnings... But, it’s also okay if you need to change to a different therapist to find one that fits / suits you. So, give yourself grace! You might feel worse after therapy, but that’s because it’s emotional work. Feeling worse doesn’t mean it’s not working.

Let us know how it goes!! Rooting for you!

[Sierramist in reply to PastelPink20]

thank you so much it really means alot!!!

[Eagle12]

Yes it does. I feel like I have a lot more tools to deal with it than I use too. It was a lot of work but worth it.

[Sierramist in reply to Eagle12]

thats great!