Just wanted to say that I've been reading a few posts on here and some people are really anti-medication. That's fine, but I wanted to share my experience as someone who has chucked everything at my anxiety to try to make it reduce to a manageable level.
I started off just having Citalopram 20mg, it took a month or so to kick in and for the side effects to reduce down, then once I felt confident enough to go I started going to a relaxation class once a week.
After a month of that I started a Mindfulness class and a beginners yoga course. Both are really close by and both are really good.
I went to the Dr last week and he is pleased with my progress (I have high blood pressure too, and over the time period I've mentioned my BP has gone from 135/93 to 125/76 which is brilliant).
I feel loads better, other things I've done to help myself are as follows (some are a bit weird, sorry!): not watching the tv, walking the dog a lot, avoiding too much caffeine, actively trying to be nicer in my attitude to myself, listening to relaxation apps on my phone, practicing relaxation techniques when insomnia strikes rather than stressing about it, spending time with people I like (and not spending time with people who are harsh and bitter), and trying not to make a drama out of things generally! And avoiding doing the ironing...
Anyway, what I'm trying to say is, do what's right for you (and yes, I could have done the above without medication but I had bereavement issues that really really wouldn't go away) but above all, keep trying.
That's it. Thanks for reading xxx