Anxiety meds for life?

I am 60 and only recently developed an anxiety disorder after experiencing a traumatic experience last year. My dr seems to think that I will only need meds for about 2 years. I am not sure I understand that. It’s not like I will be cured in two years? Once on anxiety meds isn’t one on them for life? Any thoughts? Thanks...

[JAYnLA]

People don't necessarily have to stay on medication for the rest of their lives... it's a person by person thing. Just keep working with your prescriber and don't worry too much about it right now if you can. Getting too far into the future is what we anxious sorts tend to do.

[Walkathon]

You need to work through the traumatic experience also, see a counsellor and google shadow work and working through trauma.. all the best

[Elfje in reply to Walkathon]

Need too work yes

I do working on my trauma

It's hell !

You really can not do this alone

And need meds

[Kat63]

I wish there was an anti-anxiety medication that was perfectly safe to stay on for life. I hate this anxiety and I wish it would go away forever.

[JAYnLA in reply to Kat63]

Oh, I'm with you there. I am having to use Ativan right now and know I'll have to taper off - but it helps me so much I wish it didn't have such a downside.

[Hidden in reply to JAYnLA]

Ativan is wonderful....but it is addictive. I am a different person when I take it

[JAYnLA in reply to Hidden]

What do you mean 'a different person'? For me, it brings me back to a baseline of being myself.

[Hidden in reply to JAYnLA]

I mean ‘a different person’ in a good way. Very relaxed, able to sleep, etc.

[JAYnLA in reply to Hidden]

Ah, yes. Me too.

[gfranklin12]

Yes me also... what difference does it has on you???