| Putting a Face to Panic; Surviving Anxiety Disorder |
The ground-breaking film, Putting a Face to Panic; Surviving Anxiety Disorder, is the brainchild of
Karen Muranko. After living with Panic Disorder for 30 years, Karen has been in recovery over 5 years.
Her intention is to increase public awareness regarding Anxiety and Panic Disorder. The film is currently
in post-production. Updates on the status of the documentary will be posted on the website.
Four individuals, including Karen, share their stories about living with anxiety disorder and… more
importantly, how much their lives have changed since achieving recovery. They want to share with others
their belief that Mental Wellness is Achievable!
Meet the Cast
Karen Muranko
Karen lived with Panic Disorder for 20 years before being diagnosed and another 10 years before
finding a recovery program that worked for her panic attacks. Prior to working with her present
practitioners, the treatment and medication protocol Karen was receiving did not completely get rid of her
panic attacks.
Karen often thought she was having a heart attack and calling 911 or going to the emergency room
became a constant in her life. She was always concerned about when her next panic attack would hit
and where she would be. Living with panic attacks was frightening and lonely. Karen rarely told others
about her panic attacks because she was afraid they would think she was crazy.
With a combination of conventional and alternative therapy, Karen has remained in recovery for almost 5
years. Karen has been very fortunate to work with three incredible, supportive female practitioners who
continually offer guidance and encouragement. They constantly remind Karen she can maintain mental
wellness and live panic free.
Karen hopes that by sharing her story, others can find their own personal road to recovery. Mental
Wellness is Achievable!
Bob Dey
Bob estimates that he suffered from anxiety disorder for about 25 years. His anxiety left him with little
personal life and no relationships for longer than a month or two. He frequently lost time from work and
at times become agoraphobic. The two major recovery methods Bob uses are the 12-Steps and
Recovery, Inc., principles and tools that help take the danger out of his symptoms.
Recovery has given Bob his life back. He is more comfortable in social settings, more confident at work
and able to take responsibility for himself.
Drew Ivie
Drew’s anxiety and depression began in 2001. Drew stopped all communication with extended family
and friends, and was even afraid to walk out his front door. Then Drew learned that his father had been
diagnosed with cancer. One bit of light shined through all this darkness. Drew cared so much for his
father, he was willing to face his fear of being in public by focusing on helping his father.
Drew attributes Emotions Anonymous and Recovery, Inc. for helping him on his road to recovery. Drew
is now able to leave his house on a daily basis to go to work.
Drew hopes that by sharing what he has learned through the circumstances he has experienced and
endured can be of some help to people with similar situations.
Jan Kuzmic
For Jan it's not easy to write briefly about having anxiety disorder for over 55 years. For a period of at least
20 years, beginning at age 17, Jan could not use public transportation, be in crowds or sit anywhere but
the back of a theatre or a class. What felt almost worse than the anxiety and the symptoms for Jan were
the feelings she had of shame and of somehow being flawed.
Over the years, through a series of challenging but successful professional and educational
experiences, several years of therapy, and many wonderful books, tapes, and friends, Jan considers
herself 95% recovered. To Jan, it feels like heaven that recovery can happen.
Jan is now a therapist and counsels many people who have anxiety disorder. It gives Jan a great sense
of satisfaction to use her experience of living with and recovering from anxiety disorder to help others
achieve recovery and freedom.
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View the video on You Tube