Perhaps we all need to look ahead and think about what it would mean to get the phone call just to hear the ones who matter tell you they are sorry and wish you Merry Christmas. If you are the one who is ignoring family members or just hasn’t wanted to talk to them, think about the harm you are doing not only to the person you are not speaking to, but also yourself. Take the first step, get the phone and call. It will boost your spirit and make you a better person, too.

With the economic situation these days more and more people are having panic attacks. There is little wonder why this is happening. Husbands come home and tell their wives they have been laid off. Most families rely on the husband’s paycheck to make ends meet, with the wives working part time or at a lower paying job. There is the very real fear the wife will also be laid off. Unemployment doesn’t give all the security a job gave…there are no benefits is someone in the family is ill or injured and needs medical attention. Hospitals cannot turn you down, but they will keep calling for payment afterwards.

According to a recent survey by the American Psychological Association 83% of women say they are stressed about money. The ones who are the most worried are in the age bracket of 44 to 62. Therapists have reported seeing more women patients with symptoms of panic attacks. The feeling of doom women experience leads them to seek help. Some never get the chance to seek help since they just can’t afford it. Women outnumber men 2 to 1 when it comes to having panic attacks.

Most women do not get an accurate diagnosis for panic attacks. I know I didn’t at first. It wasn’t until the 4th or 5th episode when I really learned what was happening to me. Doctors are trained to rule out most disorders, but panic attacks aren’t always recognized. Most of the time you will get a prescription for anti-anxiety medications, but that doesn’t always mean the end of panic attacks. Therapy can help along with trying to replace the negative thoughts you are having with some positive ones. The Anxiety Disorders Association of America can give you a list of doctors in your area who are able to treat panic attacks. You can reach them online at adaa.org.

If you do find yourself getting the symptoms I mentioned in the first paragraph, seek help. It can only get worse if you let it go. I find an ability to cry very easily at times, going into a rather depressed state of mind. I also feel achy, pain coming at me in different areas. I’ve lived with panic disorder for years, having it sneak back into my life when things start going downhill for me. There is also online therapy, which may help, but until now I didn’t even think of trying that route. There is still a fee for that type of therapy, which right now most of us affected with this disorder cannot afford. If you do want to check it out, please go to mytherapynet.com. Online therapy has only been used in the past 15 years and has not been studied enough to say it works. You are better off checking with a doctor in your area who has treated for panic attacks.

My opinion on both vice presidential candidates at this time? They are nervous as all get out and not thinking clearly. Neither of them have been in so much limelight that it’s getting to them. All the extra traveling they are doing, reporters shoving cameras and microphones at them, bombarding them with questions they are not prepared to answer. In all honesty, I think we should give them both a chance. I know I would not be able to stand in front of thousands of people and answer questions. Let’s wait and see what Thursday night’s debate between them shows us. Someone stated he felt Sarah Palin was not qualified to be vice president. I wonder what he has to say about Biden’s slip ups. Comments welcome.

The warning signs of depression can be overlooked because people think these signs are normal for people with serious health conditions. It’s not normal. If you feel you might be suffering from depression consult your doctor. Let him or her know how you are feeling. You can get help for depression.