"Can someone completely recover from an anxiety or panic disorder?"
The answer to this question is, yes. I often wish patients could be a fly on the wall in my clinic to witness how many other patients DO recover.
The other common question I hear is:
"Will I ever get back to being the person I used to be before I had anxiety?"
The answer to this question is, no. Anxiety and panic disorders demand that you grow as an individual. To overcome anxiety you discover empowerment and let go of fear. This was not the 'old' you.
* * * * *
The biggest challenge for anyone with an anxiety disorder is solving the 'how'.
How do I stop the symptoms?
How can I think differently?
How do I behave differently?
Answering these 'hows' requires that you start investigating how you operate both physically and mentally. Then making the choice to try something different.
A very simple example of this concerns breathing: most of us know that breathing incorrectly can bring on anxiety symptoms. Understanding the nature of breath will give you the ability to change bad breathing habits. This will have a huge impact on the anxiety symptoms.
Investigating your diet, learning about your nervous system and breathing patterns, being aware of thoughts preceding an anxiety or panic attack are all important steps in undoing bad habits. You are now taking an interest in you and in your ailment.
We will write more on the topic of 'how' as we move along in our blog. But firstly I would like to take this opportunity to hear from people who have recovered from anxiety as inspiration and encouragement to others. It can be done....... It has been done!
