This is the second part of a two part post (that I choose to write first lol) where I discuss how I started my recovery from Panic Attacks.

TLDR is: I acknowledged I was experiencing a mental condition and sought help from a professional; a local psychiatrist and PMHA's online tele consult. I wouldn't call myself cured, managing it well is how I'd put it. I've taught myself to cut the thought when I feel a panic attack looming, and to not be afraid of the sensations.

I hope this post finds its way to someone experiencing panic attacks and uses the information here to kickstart their journey to recovery.

I was at the phase where I was experiencing, at least, 1 panic attack each week. The day I decided to seek help was after an 8-hour panic attack that started 9PM and ended 5am. I haven't been sleeping, had no appetite, was miserable, and, above all, wanted relief.

I started googling psychiatrists in my area. I found one, and immediately scheduled a visit the same day. I discussed what I was experiencing and I was diagnosed with Panic Disorder.

Here is the doctor's recommendation; Valium (5mg) and S-Celepra (10mg) in the morning and Xynor (100mg) at night. These were to be taken once a day for 30 days. It is also worth noting that after the consultation I put a mental note to seek second opinion when I had the chance.

Valium and S-Celepra had a positive effect on me. It keep me calm, and the panic attacks were, mostly, kept at bay. Xynor, I didn't like. 100mg made me groggy from 9pm to 1pm the following day. I also felt I had shallow breathing which concerned me. So I told the doctor I would only take it when I have trouble sleeping and on nights I took one, I only took 1/4 of the full dosage. I literally split the pill in quarters.

On the week I started taking the meds, I still experienced one panic attack. My assumption back then was since I took Valium and S-Celepra in the morning, their effects had probably worn off when evening came. On that one night, I took Xynor to help me sleep through the panic attack.

The second and proceeding weeks, the panic attacks were managed. I didn't experience panic attacks anymore and I was generally feeling good. At this time, out of concern from the meds I was made to take, I wanted second opinion from another professional. That was when I came across PMHA's online tele-consult.

I started by messaging them in facebook.

Here's the link: https://www.facebook.com/PMHAofficial

The chat started with them asking me what I was experiencing. After that they asked for my personal details including email. Shortly after, I got an email from them asking me to fill out an online form for the initial consultation.

A few days after, I received a text from PMHA and coordinated the scheduled of my first consultation. I was made to pay 300 pesos for the consultation fee; paid through Gcash. After making the payment, I was given a schedule.

On the scheduled day I talked with a mental health professional to assess my condition. The consultation was done via phone call and it was PMHA who initiated the phone call throughout the consultation.

After the initial consultation, PMHA reached to me again through text to coordinate my follow up consultation. This time, I was made to pay 1,500 pesos for the initial consultation and 1,200 for succeeding consultations (if needed). The payment was done through GCash.

On the scheduled day, I talked with a psychiatrist. By this time, I was already almost done with my 1 month worth of meds from the previous doctor I consulted and this new doctor asked me to finish the medication since 1) it had a positive effect on me (except Xynor) and 2) I was nearing the 30th day on that medication. According to him Xynor had some concerning side effects and immediately told him of the shallow breathing I experienced when taking a full dose.

Here's the new doctor's recommendation: Xanor (500 mg).

They were only to be taken during panic attacks. I was recommended to take half a dose during panic attacks or if when have trouble sleeping. The doctor said to keep the medicine handy to help me feel secure. Where if I ever experience a panic attack, I have something to immediately give me relief. A sort of mental conditioning, I suppose.

Fortunately, I have not needed to take that medicine yet. That consultation was back in July 15, 2020.