Starting my adult life with Panic Disorder?

I am on the verge of graduating high school right now, and soon I will be heading off to college. My goal is to see the world and find independance, but my Panic Disorder is interfering with it all. I have had Panic Disorder for the past 8 years, but only have been recently diagnosed. I absolutley refuse to go on medication, for various reasons, and right now I see a therapist to teach me to overcome it. Still, while I despratley want to follow my dreams, the sickness is a leash, and i'm afraid what will happen when I am on my own. Is there any way I can follow my dreams without being afraid constantly that I wont have anyone to catch me when I fall? How do I deal with it when no one is there to help? Advice is much appreciated.

When I was in my Senior Year in high school, I had panic attacks as well, along with a bed case of OCD. My problems were so bad that I couldn't finish high school. I'm 18 right now, and for the most part my panic attacks have subsided. You cannot let this interfere with your dreams, no matter how hard it is. You may feel like you are literally dying, but it is just a trick. You cannot hide from your disorder and let it control you: you have to refuse to give in and still give 100% no matter what. With therapy, hard work, and determination you WILL succeed.

Check out Kevin Trudeau's book called Natural Cures They Don't Want You To Know About. The newest one, there's supposed to be a "2 minute cure" for anxiety in it.

I had the same problem and decided to go on medication and It works wonders. There are times that you can go off the medication and still be fine. It just depends on what happens in your life and how you handle situations beyond your control.

I used to have Panic Disorder too. Doctors prescribed Xanax for me, but I knew that drugs are not the answer; they only mask the symptom. I now have a degree in Ayuvedic medicine, and I cured myself of panic and anxiety without drugs of any kind.

Ayurveda teaches that anxiety is caused by "Excess Vata," a certain type of energy. Read the book "Vital Energy" by Dr. David Simon for more info on this. Ask a bookstore to order it for you. As I said, I cured myself of severe anxiety with Ayurveda.

The thing that helped me the most:
Listen to a CD of chanting monks, Enya, or any music you find very relaxing. Lie down, close your eyes, and listen on headphones. While you're doing that, take long, slow deep breaths, through your nose. Your breathing is very important. This sounds so simple, but I'm telling you, those chanting monks brought me down from many an attack!! They're the best!! Enya too.

While you're lying there doing the deep breathing and listening to the relaxing music, tell yourself: "Its (the feeling or symptom) going away, the feeling is passing, let it pass, you're fine, you're fine, everything is fine..." It is very important what you say to yourself; you have to learn to talk yourself down out of that state.

To prevent anxiety:
Completely eliminate all sugar and caffeine from your diet. This is rule number one.
Exercise regularly, yoga is great for anxiety.
Eat regularly, warm, nourishing foods like soups, oatmeal, etc. Forget salads and ice cream, all cold stuff. Do not drink cold beverages either. Drink hot herbal tea.
There is alot more info on dietary recommendations in the book, and other lifestyle recommendations as well.

You can overcome it; I had it very, very bad, and I'm fine now. Ayurvedic treatment is excellent for anxiety. Read Dr. Simon's book and take my advice, you will overcome it. Don't let anybody tell you you need Xanax or any other drug; you don't need it. You can email me if you want.

See a psychologist or psychiatrist as soon as possible if your Doctor is not helping enough.Unfortunately medications are the fastest way and the more sure way to cope with your anxiety.Talk therapy from a psychiatrist may take months or years. If you take medication that is prescribed for Panic Disorders and get help from a psychiatrist as well you will be on your way to recovery very soon. Unfortunately most people need to stay on medication , maybe for the rest of their lives or until the Doctor says you do not need them.What is your hangup about medication, as it is widely accepted today and is not a sign of weakness as is mental health not a sign of weakness but of a chemical imbalance.A chemical is often times the best way to bring a balance back to someone with Panic Disorder, also called Anxiety Disorder.
God Bless, I will say a prayer for you right now, OK?