Is there a “right” way to recover?

At the risk of being redundant, I would love to address my title question….  Is there a "right" way to recover from panic/anxiety?

In short, I think the answer is NO.  By that, I mean that you may find a completely different path than the next person that works better for you—-for an infinite number of reasons.  They are as unique as you and your particular situation.

I have to bring this up because a repeated theme in all our internet searching (and doctor shopping, etc.) has to do with trying to find the magic cure! 

If there is one, it really has more to do with finding your own path, your own "magic." 

As you have likely discovered, there are a zillion folks out there, trying to sell you on their plan of action, their program, their pill, their supplement, their therapy….  And you know what?  Most every one of them have at least a kernel of truth in them, so you have nothing to lose by walking that path, if only for a while.

For that reason, this blog will often mention resources for you.  I can’t tell you that one is better than another.  That is up to you to decide.

For me, a tremendous amount of research, reading, trial and error went into paving my own road.  I don’t regret trying any of the things I did, though you could say I wasted some time here and there.  (And, believe me, I spent a LOT of money!  My very first 16-week therapy program back in 1980 cost over $1000 to attend!!)  That’s okay.  At least I was making forward progress in the overall scheme of things.

I hope you, too, will see your recovery as a road and not just a destination to be "beamed to" immediately.  There’s a lot of lovely scenery you don’t want to miss.  Don’t be surprised if you find yourself saying, someday, that your anxiety ended up bringing you a lot of worthwhile growth and joy despite the agony.  It’s a strange paradox, indeed. 

Don’t wait for a "right" way.  Take steps and let yourself run, trip, fall, cruise or just discover new things on your own roadway.

September 30th, 2008