6. I resolve to learn new self-help techniques to supplement my current treatment.
If you're taking medication or going to therapy once a week and doing nothing else, you may be surprised to find out what else you may do. A good panic disorder self-help book may help you learn all kinds of techniques like visualization and breathing exercises. If your current treatment is helping, but you want to take it one step further, learn more about what you may do on your own.
More: The Anxiety & Phobia Workbook (Review)
7. I resolve to make time for activities I enjoy rather than focusing on how I feel all the time.
It's not unusual for a person to give up hobbies and interests when panic disorder first develops. As it progresses, the person may become so focused on it that it seems impossible to return to favorite activities. Even if you're doing better now, you may not be making time for fun. Try to do so. It may be difficult at first, but if you make time on a regular basis, you may find yourself enjoying your hobbies again. If you don't, maybe you've changed. Think of it as an adventure and start searching for new interests!
8. I resolve to communicate with others who have panic disorder so I will feel less alone.
Even the person with the most reliable support system of friends and family often needs the support of others with panic disorder. Only people with panic disorder know what it feels like. Family and friends may give us much help and love, but sometimes we just need to chat with others who know how we feel. There are many support groups in cities and towns around the world, and you may also find them online. Whatever you think is your quirkiest symptom or behavior, you will no doubt find someone else, probably many people, who know what you mean.
More: The About.com Panic Disorder Forum
9. I resolve to praise myself each day for my strength and courage in the face of a difficult disorder.
You're not reading this page because you're a coward or a weakling or a failure. You're reading it because you want to get well. You're able to sit there and read it because you made it here. You've made it through hours and days with your anxiety disorder. You have panic disorder because you have it. If you were weak, you wouldn't be able to survive it. So, each morning, look at yourself in the mirror and give yourself the praise you deserve. You had the courage to get out of bed this morning. Each step you take means you can take as many more as you need.
10. I resolve to take control of my well-being, to never give up, and to keep seeking answers until I am well again.
You can't give up. You haven't given up yet, so you will not give up now or tomorrow or the next day. There are answers out there for you. You may feel like you've tried everything, but there is so much to try. Look to the ends of the earth for the most unbelievable treatments you can find, if the conventional ones aren't helping. Believe in yourself and believe that your life can be what you want it to be.
