Good Morning Wonderinggal,
I think when we are dealing with catastrophic emotional events in our life - some happening when we were younger - those feelings of 'horror' seem to never go away. They linger in the recesses of our minds. So, the obvious, taking medications of some sort to stifle to 'painful' memories. I am not 'heavily' medicated anymore - just take as needed. However, my lifestyle is not one of say, an outgoing person with a full life like I see everyday.
But, I have made myself thankful and grateful - saying affirmations to myself everyday. I think we just have to learn to live with those 'horror story' memories. Put ourselves in a place that is safe - and when the memories come up, and I know they do - be in a place that can serve as a 'distraction' - like myself, I live by the ocean and find much solace in the sea. I am a Christian, also, and that gives me strength. There is no 'perfect' drug, no 'perfect' answer to the dilemma of panic/agoraphobia - we just have to find a way to cope it - using tools we research and utilize along the way - and, I have found, the mind can learn to mimic the 'calm' behavior we find on meds. - it takes awhile, but, this has been my observation - especially when it comes to depression. I say that carefully, because I know there are various different degrees of depression - I am not talking about 'severe' depression.
Keep in touch...a remember you are not alone, we are all working together to beat this thing. And, we will win.
Bye for now,
Maria
