Andrew, I completely agree as well! My therapist and boyfriend of 6yrs. have been so supportive and tremedously helpful. I have made so many strides with their support and encouragement. Your thread inspired me to send my therapist a thank you card letting her know just how much I appreciate her. :)

AndrewsGagoo, I agree 100% with what you wrote. My husband is my rock, my support, my safe person, my best friend, my motivator (spelling)and everything else he can be for me. I truly appreciate everything that he does for me. (not to mention my doctor and therapist) I do try very often to stop and take a moment to thank him for his kindness and understanding, and also let him know how much I love him. I definately couldn't make it without him. Although it is very hard at times, I always want to make sure that my condition does not take away from the lives of him and my two daughters. On the days when they have plans and I dont feel up to going out with them my mind will be screaming, "no! dont let them leave you!" but my heart is saying, "you cant ruin their good time, your condition is not their fault so let them go have their fun." I try hard to listen to my heart instead of my mind. They deserve to live a normal life. Sammi

As a family member and care-giver/support person of someone who suffers from panic disorder -- and former sufferer of panic attacks  (12 years) -- I'd like to mention that, although I know it's of vital importance that you (the person who's ill) have continued help and support, but please, all of you remember that many of us have put our own lives "on hold" to help you somehow and, as difficult as it may be sometimes, we certainly appreciate -- and sometimes maybe even "need" -- appreciation from YOU, the panic sufferer. A simple "thank you", or a statement like "I really appreciate all you're doing for me" helps A LOT. And, if we find time to do something "special" for ourselves, please try to remember our plans and work with us -- we need to remain "healthy" physically, mentally, and emotionally in order to continue to help you effectively. From my own experiences with panic, I KNOW that the sufferer may be overwhelmed with trying to cope with "real world" situations, but I also think the sufferer still has to realize they DO live in the "real world" and try, as hard as they can, to interact with others appropriately -- politely, acknowledge assistance, etc. I've seen (experienced) cases where someone helps, and helps, and helps selflessly and the sufferer moves, or "recovers", or whatever and that person just disappears from the sufferers life. In all honesty, if/when a person reaches out that much, they probably don't really want or expect anything in return, but that's exactly when a sufferer should send a thank you note or e-mail message or make a phone call expressing their appreciation. For all your helath professionals and moderators out there, please correct me if I'm wrong, but I do believe sufferers have to reach outside themselves "AS MUCH AS EACH IS POSSIBLE" even during crisis situations and especially during recovery. Most of all, please remember your family and friends and support persons love and care for you, even if they don't understand. I KNOW it's difficult for the sufferer, but it's also difficult for us, too -- we want to help and most of us try to help the best we can. Love and blessings!