Now that you know what you have and you understand it, it is time conqure it!  Ever since I found out that I had panic disorder I looked at it as something that I would fight, rather that something that I would let disable me life. That is the first step to getting better. Postive thinking. If you don't think postivley you won't get better! There are several steps to getting better. While I am not a expert or anything. I did get better myself, so I just wanted to share my experiences, and what helped me to get better. I also did a lot of research about anxiety disorders.


~ First you have to be ready to fight very hard!! If you aren't ready to fight your disorder, then you will not get better!
~ Think of all of the things that this disorder has ripped away from you! Be ready to get those things back!
~ Think about all of the things you will accomplish, and not the things you can't do!
~ Remember that every little step is a step closer to getting better.


  Ok, now that you have prepared yourself, you can start to fight!

~ Face your fears head on! You have to put yourself in the situations that make you anxious. Than means if you are agoraphobic you have to go out and face the world. If you have OCD, you have to try not to check something more than twice etc.
~ Set goals. Start small, then work your way up. If you have agoraphobia, try just driving down your street alone at first, and then gradually go further and further. If you have OCD you must set a number like instead of checking things 5 times check them 4 times, and gradualy work your way down.
~ Achieve your goals. You will achieve your goals! You want to, so you will. Be proud of yourself for every little goal that you acheive. The more you achieve the more confident you will be and the more you will continue to achieve.
~ Remember that you won't be fear free. The things that you are doing are terrifying to you, so don't be discouraged because you are afraid. You will eventually feel more comfortable.
~ Don't set your sites to high. It will take time to get to where you want to be.
~Start a journal. Write the way you feel daily. Write goals. Write your fears, and the things you accomplish. I have found that it helps tremendously. You can look back and see everything you have acomplished.
~ Rember that while having a panic attack is scary. It won't last forever. It will pass. You won't die, and you won't embarass yourself. You will be fine. If you have a panic attack oh well!!
~ Think of how disappointed you will be in yourself if you let yourself  panic. You have come so far, and done so much! You are strong ,and you don't need to panic!
~ Think of it this way - So what will happen if you have a panic attack?? What are you going to do ?? Drive home? Run and hide? No, that is ridiculous! What will that accomplish? Nothing! Just try to keep your mind on that wave length. "I am stronger!!"
"I can do this with out panic!" "If everyone else can do it, than so can I!"
~ Try to avoid stress. I know it is nearly impossibe, but the more relaxed you are the more concentrated you will be on getting better.
~ You have to learn to function with high levels of anxiety. It is unpleasent, but not at all dangerous.
~ Read and learn as much about your disorder as possible. Knowledge is the best weapon!
~ Find a support person. I was very lucky to find someone my age with panic disorder who lived a mile from my house. Without her I would not have made it this far. Look on local web sites, or ask your therapist if she knows someone with your simular condition. That is how I met Lauren.
~Be honest about your disorder. Be direct when telling family and friends what you are going through. That way they don't draw their own conclusions.
~ Vent your anxiety. Don't let it build up. Talk to someone, or cry on your pillow, or just pound your pillow if it makes you feel better.
~ Avoiding things like caffeine and nicotine, and certian drugs in cold medicines, will help with your anxiety.
~ Expect and allow the panic and anxiety symptoms to reappear. Set backs are bound to happen. You must remember that you conqured your fears once you
will do it again.
~ You will probably never be anxiety free, but you can learn to live with it! You won't always be at your worst , but you won't always be at your best. You have to balance yourself out.
~ Remember to take your meds daily, and eat well, and try relaxation techniques. And remember you will be better soon! :o)

Steps to getting better
I fight panic disorder everyday. I haven't let it run my life. You dont have to let it run yours. I have had small relapses, none as disabeling as when my panic disorder first started. You can get better! You can fight the fear! I did and if I did so can you!
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