Online help for Anxiety and Panic Disorder - FREE FRIDAYS

This will be my very first FREE FRIDAY!!!

I know a lot of my blog is about my finally asking for help and entering counseling and medical intervention. Also remember that I have dealt with this disorder for approximately 15 years and have for a majority of the time been "high functioning". That is my term, and by high functioning I mean that I do get out of my house, I do work occasionally, and I have pursued a small amount of happiness on occasion. I was even in a 10 year relationship with a VERY understanding woman. But I do have the symptoms of anxiety and panic at all times, which is frustrating and depressing and makes everything so difficult, not to mention exhausting.

So even though I've finally decided to take a home run swing at this crap, my circumstances may have been, and may still be, very similar to yours. I didn't have, and still do not have medical insurance. I also had, and still have, some reservations about taking the medications associated with these disorders. So I got by on INFORMATION. I read everything I could get my hands on, I watched every informational video I could find online, and I even purchased a few "programs" available online. Ultimately I believe this is a thinking disorder, or more correctly an improper thinking disorder, so anything you can do about your state of mind, and your depth of knowledge will most certainly help you in your condition.

So today I am going to mention something called "The Anxiety Bible".
It is available online at a free site and I'm sure you can find it. I am not sure about linking/back linking and other web tactics at this time and I prefer to play it safe. If you can't find it drop me an email and I'll give you the URL.

The first step of the "Bible". COUNSELING
I have just started this path myself. It can be very expensive but it won't last forever. Also there are programs to assist people with low incomes and no insurance. Also, who knows whats in store with the US's new health insurance laws. I will say that I felt the stigma of visiting a "Mental Health Center" but it has quickly passed. Though I'm in the very beginning, the weight off my shoulders opening up to an experience and respected counselor is noticeable and I am optimistic.

Step Two. EXERCISE
Talk about a whole other blog! Haha. I am lucky in that I am not out of shape, and by that I mean bodily shape! I am height and weight proportional. But physically I have a low amount of strength, energy, and stamina. You don't know (or maybe you do) how many times I've thought about and tried to start an exercise regimen. With anxiety disorder it is even harder because breathing hard and struggling is a precursor some a lot of sufferers panic attacks. The reasons for this are too many to post in a single post, maybe even an entire blog, but besides the obvious long term health benefits you will be BURNING OFF excess energy, the fuel of anxiety.

Step Three. DIET
Talk about an entirely blog worth subject. Again I will sidestep the obvious benefits because I'm sure you know but there are a few key diet tips for anxiety sufferers. First and most important... NO CAFFEINE EVER. I have practiced this tip for about 16 months and without doubt lowered my anxiety levels and increased my health. If I forget how much difference it makes (I was addicted to Pepsi Cola) I soon remember when I accidentally ingest something high in caffeine. ZOOOOM, right into an anxious buzz. Also obviously try to reduced processed foods and foods with the increasingly evil HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP. Again, I'm not a dietician but I'm sure it can only help.

Step Four, final step for today. MEDICATION
Like I said above, I had and still have reservations about the medications prescribed for these disorders. But along with reaching step one, I've reached this step. I know that I said I believe my anxiety is a thinking disorder, I also know the power of my mind. Right or wrong, it creates what I tell it to create. (Can you imagine developing better control and creating only spectacular things?) Well, I consider my thought patterns like a groove in a record and I've dug a very deep groove. I plan to use the medication as a tool to help me step out of this groove and see the alternatives I've been missing. And if you're wondering how this might affect you... then follow me, or join my blog, or whatever they call it. I intend to document my entire journey out of this damn rut!

The difference between a rut and a grave is only a few feet. (attributed to a lot of people so forgive my lack of credit)

Lets get out of this damn rut.

Who wants to do some P90X? I bought this program in December. I've attempted 2 or 3 workouts. This needs to change. Email or comment and kick me in the butt!