Anxiety, Panic Attacks and CBT

[strangebrew]

Hi,  

 I have recently been referred to some Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to assist with my daily anxiety and frequent panic attacks. I understand the general concepts with this, to train your brain to dispute the anxious or negative thoughts, before they turn into escalating physical symptoms.   However I am a bit nervous about this. Has anyone here gone through it, and if so, was it helpful in particular with General Anxiety and Panic Attacks? How intense was the therapy?

I have fears of future triggers and that I will break down if subjected to these types of situations that can trigger alarms.

Thanks

Strange Brew

[Pixie15]

Hi Strange Brew,

I did a program of CBT last year. I actually wanted to do acceptance and committment therapy and found out that I was in fact trying to accept the unacceptable and ended up with the CBT.

At the time that I sought out therapy I had features of general anxiety and was having panic attacks in certain situations but I did not meet the diagnostic criteria because I was still managing to get on with my life. 

The therapy I undertook was quite intensive I think. I saw the psychologist weekly for about 20 weeks. It was quite difficult at times and I think this was mainly because I have trust issues and tend to be automatically defensive. 

I tried out several tools and some I have incorporated into my life but a couple actually made me worse so it was good that I did not try to go it alone and I wont recommend any specific tools.

But I think the main reason it worked is that I did get to the point of trusting the therapist. I am really glad I did the therapy it has turned my life around. I have hope now. 

Hope these few thoughts help you.

GratefulToday.

[strangebrew]

Thank you Grateful, that is much appreciated. It is helpful to know some one has done this and it has been helpful to them. While I have been recommended to CBT before  but this has only been through professionals. I think I am still trying to find what will work for me...

[optimistic]

Hi strangebrew

I can vouch for the usefulness of these in alleviating anxiety/depression:

CBT through a good psychologist

yoga/meditation/mindful

gym / some physical activity

nutritious food

Maintaining Gratitude Journal

Keeping oneself busy as Idle mind is devil's workshop

Joining some real-life Anxiety Support Group

Having faith in whatever you choose to do, is very critical in the healing process

Take care and God Bless

[strangebrew]

Thanks Optimistic! there are some other good suggestions there too. I have tried meditation classes a few times but I really struggle with it. Still trying to find what works well for me, and as you said what I have faith in that will work for me. I have joined a Anxiety/Mental Health Support Group which I go to every week, which has been going ok so far.

What is a gratitude journal if I may ask?

Cheers

SB

[optimistic]

Glad you found some of the suggestions helpful.

Joining an anxiety support group is a brilliant idea. You have taken a positive step forward by doing that.

You might also like to google to learn more about gratitude journals.