Is this anxiety

Hello I am 28 yrs old and have been dealing with this bad episode since Aug. I havent been able to work in a month. I am being told its anxiety but not sure. I am on .25 xanax and 5mg valium when needed I only take a half pill. I was given Lexapro but of course I am to scared to take it cause of all the bad stuff I have read online. I feel like I am going crazy. I am going through the racing heart and SOB when i have an attack but what I feel like all the time is what scares me to the point where I dont even leave the house anymore and now I am developing a phobia of being alone. I am always shaky,weak, bad headaches, dizzy, lightheadness, chest pains and feel like there is a lump in my throat. I have cut out caffeine and trying to think positive but nothing helps.My family is telling me its all in my head which makes me crazier. I have been to the er and had blood work, ekg, ct scans and xrays and everything is ok but I dont feel ok and I feel like I am losing. I feel like I am a prisoner in my own body. I see therapists and he has tought me breathing tech but that only helps when I have an attack. I am so alone please help.

Laura

Dear Laura,

Your NOT alone! I have suffered from everything you have described and then some for well over 12 years. I have been taking .50 of xanax 3 times a day for so long now. It's really hard when the people around us don't understand anxiety. My husband tries but he has just learned to accept it he will never understand it. Try not to pay to much attention to what your family says your not crazy.

Being a prisoner in our own body is exactly what it feels like. I didn't leave my house for almost 3 years and every time I did i had a panic attack. It's a scary life to live.

We become so desperate to live again. I wish i could tell you I am living again but not up to my standards. I am currently going through Zoloft withdrawal. If you can do without the SSRI's then please go that route.

I have learned a few things about myself and life in general as a result of this nightmare i call my life. FEAR... It all revolves around fear. Ask yourself has something happened to cause a sudden fear of life? Mine all started in early childhood and I just kept stuffing it further down and then when something new would come along I'd stuff that down too. Sooner or later there is no room left.

This isn't about me so i won't go in to my story. I will tell you there are tools that can help you if your willing to try them. i must enjoy suffering because instead of using them myself I just tell other people about them. LOL

Have you ever heard of EFT? Emotional freedom technique? This tool I have used and it is helpful you can find it by goggling it the site you want is Gary craigs. It's all free and very helpful.

Hang in there it does get better and i know how bad it sucks!