10 months sober and desperate about my anxiety

[Lizzyann707]

I'm new to this community. I am 10 months sober to alcohol. I started having panic attacks over a year ago and one really bad one sobered me up. Now I have anxiety all of the time. The panic attacks are less frequent. But I have come to fear them, and have now triggers that are agorophobic. For instance, I have a thing about sleeping around others. I can't stay at people's homes or they at mine because of my fear of a panic attack. I'm looking for help. I'm on no medication at all.

[Ronkoz]

You should see a dr or psychiatrist and be open to meds as one of a few tools for you to get through this and get stronger

I recently didn't leave my apartment for roughly 6 weeks - I was scared to leave and meds and small exercises helped. Each day I walked another block and I started forcing myself to get a juice and sit at a cafe - the first time I lasted less than 5 minutes - the second time closer to ten minutes so that was helpful to me

Good luck and stay strong

[Tillymay]

First of all well done for begin sober it must have been very hard for you,you have been a strong person to get through such a tough time,so I'm sure one day you will beat this illness,maybe you should go to the doctors and have a chat about the different medications you can take, I was scared to take my meds but I'm so pleased I did take them.At first I felt sick but now they do help.good luck in what ever you choose to do xx

[Missmalaaaa]

I am so glad to hear that you have been sober for so long! I also have quit drinking and it is not an easy thing! You are doing great. Anxiety is hard, because you are constantly worrying. Medication is not always good because any anxiety medication, it has a potential to do the counter effect and make things worse. I am not a big fan of medication and feel like, it might be harder, but more effective to do it without it. When you feel anxious, try getting your mind off it! Start doing something that keeps your mind off things. Find yourself thinking? Run! I spent the last year trying to get over a 4 year relationship and that is exactly what I did. I went over to the city park and ran after work every day. While you're running, listen to music! Not sappy music, uplifting music. I listened to Fetty Wap over and over (Again is a good song.) When your mind is busy, it isn't focused on other things that worry. Keep going, surround yourself with people who are supportive of your decision and respect you, helps you. Be around people who wants to go for a hike instead of day drinking. Surround yourself with positivity.