I won't go into details here, because it isn't my story to tell. However I will say that I love someone with anxiety and panic disorder, who has improved immensely over the last two years and is now able to function without medication.
   I think that the most important point in his case was learning how to identify the major triggers of his anxiety and keeping constant watch for new ones. If there is a situation that he knows will be triggering, he doesn't try to avoid it but instead takes steps to prepare and calm himself.
   If possible he plans out the steps that he will take in detail and mentally walks through the scenario before hand. Meticulous scheduling and planning ahead can prevent many problems before they even start. When facing a triggering situation, he uses key words, which he can think to himself or that I can verbally tell him if I spot early symptoms. He also keeps a lucky object on his person that he can hold if he feels overwhelmed. In certain cases he is able to refocus himself by listening to music. His employers allow him to use an MP3 for this and it worked wonders until it got wet and died.Â
   In cases where all else fails, he uses breathing exercises in combination with the other aids to bring his panic levels down.... and yes there are still times when they are needed. Anxiety will always be a part of our life and in most ways it sucks. However we have also discovered that it's helpful when remembering car keys, planning trips, and keeping track of budgets. There is a bright side to everything and the organization required to cope with anxiety can prove to be very useful in other ways.
   I think that the most important point in his case was learning how to identify the major triggers of his anxiety and keeping constant watch for new ones. If there is a situation that he knows will be triggering, he doesn't try to avoid it but instead takes steps to prepare and calm himself.
   If possible he plans out the steps that he will take in detail and mentally walks through the scenario before hand. Meticulous scheduling and planning ahead can prevent many problems before they even start. When facing a triggering situation, he uses key words, which he can think to himself or that I can verbally tell him if I spot early symptoms. He also keeps a lucky object on his person that he can hold if he feels overwhelmed. In certain cases he is able to refocus himself by listening to music. His employers allow him to use an MP3 for this and it worked wonders until it got wet and died.Â
   In cases where all else fails, he uses breathing exercises in combination with the other aids to bring his panic levels down.... and yes there are still times when they are needed. Anxiety will always be a part of our life and in most ways it sucks. However we have also discovered that it's helpful when remembering car keys, planning trips, and keeping track of budgets. There is a bright side to everything and the organization required to cope with anxiety can prove to be very useful in other ways.
