thanks so much for the advice! i do try the relaxation techniques, but when i sit down and try breathing and do start to calm down it seems like that just makes me freak out more! i really just dont know what to do...i have read on other forums about the rubber band trick, i may try that. I just want to keep living a normal life and not let this control me! i'm going to give it another month or so of just therapy and rubber bands and if that doesnt help i will try another med. thanks so much!
Have you tried any relaxation techniques? Your therapist should be able to help you with that. I have been on my meds for about a year, I was not a big fan of going on any meds either, but I made a promise to myself to give it a full year. I am almost to that year mark, and I haven't decided whether or not I will continue them. But, I do think that meds in conjunction with therapy are the way to go. Maybe you should talk with your Dr. about a different type of med, often times it just takes time to find the one that works best for you with the least amount of side effects. There is a lot of help out there, and I have learned that if meds are what I need to get better, than that is OK. Like you, I don't want this to be a way of life for me, so I will do whatever I can to make sure that I lead a normal life, and if I need the help of medicine until I get there, than I am OK with that. I certainly don't want to be on them forever, but I know that the process for recovering from Anxiety can be lengthy, so I don't have any expectations.
You should really think about it, just do what you need to do to feel better. Find the right med for you, and I think you will see a big difference.
Take Care!
Kristine