Having an anxiety disorder can be scary and difficult to navigate! Anxiety disorders can be managed with the right help and support. Personally, I was diagnosed with Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia. When I was first diagnosed I felt a little relieved to know what was “ wrong with me” and yet still so lost and terrified!! I had to quit my job and started going to a therapist and a psychologist.
What Do I Do Now That I’ve Been Diagnosed with an Anxiety Disorder
They had me try a few prescriptions for anxiety disorders before we found one that worked. It did take about a month before I felt a little better. I have always tried to live a natural lifestyle and taking medication was a hard decision to make because of that. I was able to function for the most part, but I still couldn’t do things I was able to do before. Such as leaving my house alone or driving or even getting back to work. There were even days someone had to come over and help me take care of my young children. It was a lonely and miserable feeling, that also made me feel like a burden on my family.
The therapy was a huge help! It helped me learn a lot of coping techniques for anxiety disorders and ways to “function” better. After a few years, I was able to go on walks or to the park alone with my kids and was even able to drive short distances again. This was a place I thought I’d NEVER be in again and It was starting to feel great. The therapy and medication felt like a God send, I truly felt like I was going to be back to myself in no time.
Things Can Change With Treatment
After 10 years I felt like I was falling apart again and I had a relapse. I was back at square 1. My psychologist had told me that after a long period of time, some mental health medications stop working. So we went back to trying to find a medication that works. For 6 months she had me try 5 different medications and none of them worked, one even sent me to the hospital with Pancreatitis. At this point, I was done trying medications!!
I continued my therapy which did help a little, but I still felt like there was more I could do to get back to “Normal”. So I started to research natural remedies to help ease my anxiety and prayed more than ever before! After a ton of research, I tried a few different herbs that were starting to help. So after going through what I went through with medications I vowed to find a natural way to feel better. Between the Herbs I tried and the exposure therapy, I was returning to a better place. Then I found a supplement that was a game-changer!
It’s a Constant Journey of Growth with Anxiety Disorders
After a few years although I was feeling better than when I was first diagnosed I still felt like I could feel better and do better. I was still struggling with agoraphobia and still not able to socialize or drive very far.
So I continued to look for more herbs and supplements and worked more on exposure therapy. And included some light exercise, since I couldn’t do any cardio or hard workouts without getting a panic attack. It hasn’t been an easy road but I finally feel like I’m on a better path. It may not seem like a big deal to those who don’t struggle with anxiety issues but to be able to drive 10 miles by myself and go to a friends B.B.Q is a HUGE deal for me.
I always encourage people to research natural remedies and supplements for any issue: mental or physical. (As always remember to check with your Doctor about anything you’re going to add to your routine. Because herbs and supplements can affect any medications you are taking.) And to remember that not everything will work for everyone. Our bodies are different and process foods, herbs, and supplements differently as well.
Anxiety Disorders don’t make you weak!
This journey with an Anxiety disorder isn’t for the faint of heart. Even though it makes a person feel weak and not able to do much, It takes incredible strength to keep going and strive to get better. There were days I wasn’t sure I could go on, but God would gently remind me to keep going. I’m finally in a place where I feel like I’m going to do better. I feel like a big part of recovery is pushing your comfort zones and doing exposure therapy. Which honestly takes A LOT of strength. When I really started pushing my comfort zones is when I started to notice a big difference.