Panic Attacks and Depression

The blanket of fear created by anxiety can prevent enjoyment of the present moment, initiate a cycle of worry and inaction, and may eventually lead to a mild depression. This type of depression can make life seem empty and undesirable. However, there is usually a big difference between the mild depression caused by simple anxiety, and the major depression that can lead to suicide. An anxious person might imagine suicide, but will probably be just as afraid of dying as they are of their emotional state, and not have an intention of really carrying it out.

However, if you are not feeling afraid of suicide, if you're experiencing real hopelessness, if you are considering methods of suicide or feeling comforted by the thought, then you should seek help from a mental health professional. Speak to your doctor, check your phone book for suicide hotlines, or call 911 for a referral (see list of referrals below).

For the majority, you know that you don't like living with anxiety and panic attacks, but you most likely feel that there is some hope for the condition. Otherwise you wouldn't be researching programs like this one. Anxiety can be a strong motivating force to start taking action to find alternatives. And sometimes things can get pretty dark before you break through. But know that you are not alone in the experience. When you begin to make progress in overcoming these issues, the mild depression that you're experiencing should also disappear as well.

NOTE ABOUT THIS SECTION: The following organizations have no affiliation with SelfTherapy.org

• SuicideHotlines.com/national
• National Institute of Mental Health's Anxiety Hotline: 1-888-826-9438
• HopeLine.com: 1-800-273-TALK or 1-800-SUICIDE
• Online (paid) counselors may be available via: www.LivePerson.com (includes reviews)
• Yelp.com is a good resource for finding psychologists and counselors (includes reviews)
• Other useful site: WebMD | HelpGuide.org | ADAA

Google searches for "suicide hotline" or "psychologist / counseling" may show better local results for your area.