Members,

“The answer to this is a resounding YES -- if they receive treatment.

Panic disorder is highly treatable, with a variety of available therapies. These treatments are extremely effective, and most people who have successfully completed treatment can continue to experience situational avoidance or anxiety, and further treatment might be necessary in those cases. Once treated, panic disorder doesn't lead to any permanent complications.”

The above was quote was taken from:

The American Psychological Association (2009) Answers to Your Questions About Panic Disorder. Retrieved on May 14, 2009 from, http://www.apa.org/topics/anxietyqanda.html

Ashley, Health Educator

Members,

In the past week, we’ve been talking about stress management. A great preventative strategy for stress is to buff up on our organizational skills. Here are a few tips…

• Stop hoarding! Before keeping that piece of paper or computer file, ask yourself if you really need it? If you need to act on the information contained in the document? And if you needed the information again, how easy would it be to get?  Depending on the results, keep it, toss it or file it.
• Fill out your To-Do list! Over your morning coffee, have a fresh printed sheet on your desk and list the projects or tasks you’ll be working on in order of importance.
• Avoid wasting your time! When leading meetings, prepare an agenda before hand. Slot a set number of minutes to each topic on the agenda and stick to it. If your agenda gets too long. Divide it in half of sections and keep the next agenda for the next meeting.
• Break it down! Huge projects need to be broken down into smaller pieces. Finish a set number of small pieces per day depending on the timeline and then move onto something else. Big projects have a tendency to leave other projects in the dark. Breaking it down allows for balance.

Members,

Recently we’ve been talking about expressing yourself creatively. Many of our greatest works of art have come from individuals with mental health illnesses. Painters like Van Gogh, Michelangelo, Virginia Woolf, Edgar Allan Poe and many others all suffered from depression or bipolar disorder. Below you’ll find links to stories of other individuals who have found solace in art therapy.

Psychology Today:

http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/pto-20060810-000001.html

http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/pto-20070516-000004.html

“Individuals with Panic Disorder;

°         are more prone to alcohol and other drug abuse

°         have greater risk of attempting suicide

°         spend more time in hospital emergency rooms

°         spend less time on hobbies, sports and other satisfying activities

°         tend to be financially dependent on others

°         report feeling emotionally and physically less healthy than non-sufferers.

°         are afraid of driving more than a few miles away from home

Panic disorders can also have economic effects. For example, a recent study cited the case of a woman who gave up a $40,000 a year job that required travel for one close to home that only paid $14,000 a year. Other sufferers have reported losing their jobs and having to rely on public assistance or family members.”

What are your thoughts on this information? 

If you would like to read more please see the link below.

The above quoted information was taken from:

Members,

In the past week, we’ve been talking about stress management. A great preventative strategy for stress is to buff up on your time management skills. Here are a few tips:

-          Stop procrastinating: If it takes a certain mood to be productive, help yourself get into it. Turn on your Mp3 player, take a walk before you sit down to put your nose to the grindstone. Whatever it takes to get the project done now.

-          Plan ahead: Having a clearly written plan of attack for a project can be helpful and help you stay productive. It can also give you clear direction as to what step in the project to tackle next. Also don’t forget to allocate 1-3 hours extra of time just in case the project takes longer than expected. This will help you avoid turning it in late.

-          Keep a time log. This can be an eye opening tool! It allows you to see where you are spending your time, who interrupts you, etc…