Hello. I came to know of this site because they actually gave me an award for my blog. Basically I believe a few things when it comes to anxiety/panic disorder:
1. We're creative people, and sometimes when our creative mind is left idle it can turn against us. As humans, we all have the innate desire to build, solve problems, create works of art, interpret things, etc. All of that is creative. I think if we nurture this part of the mind, it will simply keep it occupied and it will not only give us less trouble, but we'll lead better and more productive lives. We don't need to be a Rembrandt, Picasso, Kerouac, or Bob Dylan. There are many ways to be creative.
2. The journey to recovery (if recovery in its strict sense is even possible), is a long and hard one. I'm doing a LOT better than I used to be, but I still have setbacks. We need to do our very best to take these setbacks in stride and keep moving forward.
3. Anxiety/Panic is not only a "mental" problem but also a physical one, and sometimes drugs are required to begin the journey, at least, and maybe for longer than that. I do not like taking pills, but just as I have accepted the fact that I have anxiety/panic, I have accepted the fact that drugs can help. Hopefully I won't be on them forever, but if I am I can live with that.
I wish the best to all of you, and especially those who are just now starting on the path. It's hard but things CAN get better. I went from my entire life being on the verge of collapse to a functional part of society! Financially and creatively, I'm managing to somehow do better than I ever have even though I have this dreaded condition. If I can overcome it, so can anyone. Again, good luck!
