Thanks to a site called www.nj.com (Everything New Jersey) a current news story touches on this very common issue:
Don't panic, relief is here
Monday, July 10,2006
Staff Writer
By CHRISTOPHER WEIR
Staff Writer
Seventeen years ago, Judy Schiffman began having
panic attacks that were affecting her quality of life. After
overcoming her affliction through counseling, she decided
she wanted to help others who suffer from the disease.
In 1994, Schiffman started Panic Relief Inc., an organization
with the purpose of educating individuals on the various way of dealing
with fears, anxiety and agoraphobia.
"In the process of trying to find help and in searching for
information on the topic, I realized I could make a difference in
people's lives," Schiffman said."I was looking for a program similar to
one I'm doing now and since I couldn't fine one, I thought I would
start my own."
With headquarters located in Monmouth Junction, the
organization is now offering services in Salem County for the first
time.
The program consists of workshops, seminars and individual
counseling and is geared towards adults who suffer from anxiety
disorders. The program teaches ways to control panic attack and anxiety
and teaches how attitudes and current thoughts affect panic and
anxiety.
Symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks include heart
palpitations, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath,chest pains,
nausea, dizziness, chills or hot flashes,tingling sensations, or a
feeling of choking, according to panic Relief Inc.
In more extreme cases, panic attacks can lead people to become
housebound.
The organization estimates that 19 million people suffer from
panic attacks, but only one in three receive treatment.
Among the various programs offered include the "six weeks to
Panic Relief Program," which includes a CD, DVD, workbook, phone
counseling and group counseling sessions.
There are currently a few hundred people participating inthe
program throughout New Jersey. The program is for adults, typically
between the ages of 18 to 60, but older people have been known to
enroll as well.
The organization is also conducting programs in several high
schools in New Jersey.
Schiffman hopes the program will be as successful in Salem
County.
"We've just started marketing the program in Salem County and
it takes a good month to get things going," Schiffman said. "The
programs we have already started in counties such as Bergen and
Middlesex have been really successful."
"I feel that Panic Relief has really made a difference in
hundreds of lives over the years," Schiffman said."We hope to continue
with the work and the teaching that we're doing. It's changing the way
people see themselves and how they relate to others."
Anyone who would like more information can go to
www.panicreliefinc.com
or call (732) 940-9658.
