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[Leo64]

Good Morning!Panic attack sufferer, whose anxiety and attacks started in my 20's. They go away for years, sometimes for decades and return. Triggers can be nothing, but usually return after a stressful event. Last December, I broke my back and have been in a thoracic brace for 4.5 months. Am doing PT, but this is going to be a long recovery. Hence, the panic is back in full swing. I have done self help with CBT in the form of books, forums, pod casts, YouTube, etc. I am taking the step to get professional help as I don't want this to continue into my golden years. Curious to hear from others how getting professional help aided their recovery.

[BlueAgave]

Hello. I think therapy has helped me with changing the way I think about things. It's difficult to describe, as I'm sure everyone takes away something different from therapy. I'm slowly starting to learn how to stop with the automatic negative thoughts. Anyhow, it's good that you are seeking professional support as anxiety and panic can be difficult to manage on your own, as I'm sure you realize. I hope you find someone you work well with, that is very important too. Hope all goes well with you and that your back is healing and getting stronger ✨️

[punkster]

I was in therapy for over three years to learn to deal with GAD. I no longer see the therapist, except on an "as needed" basis. For me, therapy was a slow process, but worth putting the time into it. If you don't feel that you are making any progress, try a different therapist.

[Leo64 in reply to punkster]

Thank you. I've interviewed 2 so far. It is rather daunting, trying to figure out who is a fit.

[Astro_potato]

I'm sorry you are going through this right now. I wouldnt wish panic attacks on my worst enemy. I just turned 42, and have managed my anxiety and panic disorder well my whole life with the aid of medication until a medical event earlier this year. I had to change medications, and I am a MESS right now. There are usually no triggers to my panic attacks, they hit me out of the blue. My anxiety feels like I'm riding a wave on the ocean; I cycle through good days, ok days, terrible days - none of which I have any control over. I'm at the mercy of the sea of messed up chemicals in my brain. I'm seeing a psychiatrist to try and find the right medication(s) and dose. I also have a therapist, but it's difficult to gauge how helpful therapy is when I can't seem to find level ground with my medications just yet. She's very pleasant and seems to genuinely care, but with the chemicals in my brain so screwed up, some days I can barely function, let alone follow through with the coping skills in my 'panic attack toolbox'. I'm not disparaging professional help in any way; just wanted to share my experience so far, and let you know that you're not alone. There are many fighting the same battle with their mental health alongside you.

[Leo64 in reply to Astro_potato]

Thank you for your response. I appreciate the support. I quit meds at the end of 2015 and did well with self help for a few years. My goal is to really try the professional route this go around, and will do my best to get this resolved. And I get how a medical event can rock you. I know the struggle. Let us use this place to help and foster others going through this battle. Thank you.

[Dolphin14]

Leo64

Welcome to the community

You certainly have been through quite an ordeal. Professional help sounds like a good way to go at this point.

To your question.... I never would have made it without the aid of my two therapists and my psychiatrist. I needed someone to help me understand what happened to me and someone to guide me through the steps to my recovery. With an overthinking brain it would never be possible for me to put things into prospective and build a toolbox of coping strategies.

I wish you the best

🐬

[Leo64]

Thank you Dolphin14. I appreciate the honesty and support.