Memo to Clay Aiken

We don't know each other, Clay, but I thought I'd send along some thoughts on your admission that you are now on prescription medication for your panic attacks. I support you and I know how difficult it is to admit to anything that has a tinge of "mental" about it. People aren't always kind and don't always understand. Everyone is still trying to fight the stigma attached to mental health problems in this climate of misunderstanding.

You might like to know that you're not alone in the entertainment world. Donny Osmond, actress Kim Basinger, and weatherman Willard Scott all admit to having had panic attacks and to seeking treatment.

I don't know about them, but as a mental health professional, I know that all signs in the mental health field point to a combination of medication and cognitive therapy as being the most effective treatment. Perhaps you would like to think about the reason why you wouldn't opt for the most effective treatment and would prefer going halfway.

No, I'm not asking you to enter into a long dialog with anyone about your life, but I do think you might want to learn how to help yourself. You've done a lot in your life and you've overcome a lot through your own resources.

Like it or not, your decision not to seek therapy will affect others with panic disorder. They may not go into treatment because they will see you as an example to follow. What you do now can help not only you, but everyone who hears about your struggle. You have an opportunity to help yourself and to help others.

Related Topics: Panic Disorder Often Undertreated , Fewer Panic Attacks with Talk Therapy


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