Panic Newbies...

I conducted a psych assessment yesterday with a 28-year-old man in the throws of what appeared to be panic and generalized anxiety. As soon as he started to tell his story I got very excited because I knew he'd be the beneficiary of some immediate hope and relief, though he had no clue as to what was to come. Well, he told me he began having symptoms of panic when he was 22. It was the amazingly typical laundry list: panic attacks, concern and obsession over his physical welfare featuring several E.R. visits, feeling unsteady on his feet, pounding heartbeat with chest pressure, strange skin sensations, hyperventilation, and on and on. You know the menu, right? And imagine - he's been enduring this for six years! Actually, that's not very surprising at all.

As the assessment ensued and I was getting close to a disposition the man asked me if I was going to suggest he be either medically or psychciatrically admitted. He looked shocked as I told him he wasn't in need of either. I mean, he was convinced he was hopelessly mentally and/or physically ill. And when I went on to explain that what his body was doing was precisely what it was supposed to do, given its perception of a threat, his face began to relax. He was receptive. As I say to one of my clients, he "Gets it!" Or, was at least open-minded.

I felt so bad for this guy having to wait six years for any measure of relief. Somehow, someway he didn't get in front of the right professionals and resources. And I readily identified with his situation because when I was stuck out in the woods all those years ago there were seemingly no resources period. But the good news is, he walked out of the facility with some quality referrals and I'll guarantee an entirely new perspective with regard to his situation. He left with hope, and it showed in his posture and walk!

I love working with panic and anxiety sufferers who are first approaching their distress. It's very cool. Bill