Several years ago, an acquaintance of mine, crossing with the light at a major intersection, was hit by a car. She was thrown into the air and landed with a broken tailbone, major bruises, cuts and injured muscles. As this fit friend healed quickly her emotional healing was a different story. She began having panic attacks. She had trouble sleeping and when she could fall asleep she experienced vivid nightmares. When her symptoms intruded significantly into her daily life, she called her doctor. A referral to a mental health specialist resulted in a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

I first heard about PTSD from a Vietnam combat veteran who was diagnosed years after returning home when he experienced these same symptoms as well as others associated with the syndrome including flashbacks, edginess, numbness, depression and anxiety.

PTSD strikes one out of twelve women--about twice the incidence of men. Doctors now believe it is a normal reaction to an abnormal (usually overwhelming) situation. If you experience PTSD related panic attacks you are more likely to have other health problems and more likely to use drugs, alcohol, cigarettes and food to stem the anxiety.

One of the most successful treatments for PTSD is desensitization therapy. Here the trauma is confronted through imaging that precipitates reminders of the stressful event. Additionally, anti-depressant drugs like Paxil, Zoloft and Prozac are helpful--especially when used as they should be--in combination with psychological support or therapy.

Like the Vietnam veteran, my acquaintance used the experience as a catalyst for growth. In time, confronting her fears made her more aware of her feelings and surroundings. Positiive lifestyle changes including no more alcohol or cigarettes, exercise and a healthier diet were the underpinnings to a return to good physical, mental, social, emotional and spiritual health. In time she was able to decrease the dose of then discontinue supportive drug therapy.

Her advice: if you have panic attacks, don't let shame keep you from getting help that can return (and improve) your ability to cope. Get help. Like my friend, you may discover that staring down a fear can be the best way to discover a new world!