Meds

[Dixie9326]

I am a senior female that has had anxiety issues all of my life . I am also a retired Emergency Dept. RN.. A few months ago, I experienced a few severe panic attacks which I couldn't shake for over 2 months:(. I am annoyed when people come on here, so very anxious and upset and refuse to listen to their own Dr.'s..

[Dixie9326]

I am with most of you, I hate taking meds but when your life is out of control , there is no choice. Your brain chemicals are out of wack and no amount of wishing they weren't will help. I decided to add another med when I was feeling so awful, found a therapist and found a app. that has guided meditation . With that combination, I have finally found great relief. You at least need to take meds until you're thinking straight and then you can make other plans to get on the right track. I ride my bike everyday to reduce anxiety (it helps) and listen to the meditation tape every morning. I see the therapist weekly . I still have some moments of anxiety but it pales in comparison to what I was feeling. I was short of breath, (hyperventilating), nauseated with wretching , and had to force myself to eat, shaky as hell, weak, and could barely peel myself off of the couch. It's difficult to believe there is nothing physically wrong when you are feeling so sick. I had numerous tests and scans which helped to reassure me and the rest was up to me.. you either do your best to help yourself or go down the rabbit hole. "NO ONE" can do it for you!! One day at a time, taking baby steps and push .. You have to push negative thoughts away and replace them with positive ones. Easier said than done but practice makes perfect.

Drugs like xanax can help when you are having an acute anxiety attack but they are for short term use only..they are highly addictive and do nothing to help with the long term problem . ...

I was an Emergency Dept. RN and I guarantee drug dependence to xanax and other benzodiazepines is not something you need.. anti anxiety meds are NOT in the same class and will help, not harm you. You may have to try a few before you find one that agrees with you, but take it from a long time sufferer, it is WELL worth it.