Hi all,
I usually post to the GERD forum, but it appears I found this site on anxiety back when I acuired it several years ago, but lost my way at utilizing the support for the anxiety I acquired back in 2007. I mean I had a bit of anxiety off and on for years, but not at the level of panic attacks, those started out of nowhere in 2007. I really should not say "nowhere", it was due to relentless stress at work I think.
So here I am over 4 & 1/2 years later still struggling. I never believed much in therapy. My dad had it for years and only seemed to get worse. Since 2007 I visited a few therapist and gave up after a few visits because it just didn't feel like it was for me. However, a little over a year ago I did find a therapist that has helped me ever so slightly, but I am grateful for even that little bit of help. I only see him now once in a while due to my schedule, so I try mostly self help.
My therapist said the slower response to therapy is because I continue to enter the toxic environment that strains my nervous system. So it's like he puts out the fire a bit, but I walk right back into the burning building the next day. He's not an advocate for me quitting my job due to the job market; just wants me to find ways to handle the level of stress better. Also, he is not an advocate of drugs. He has given me cognitive building skills, but like he said, once I go into that stressful environment, it is as if all the cognitive practices go out the window.
My family doctor has been on me for years to take a daily anti-depressant. i fight him because my dad took them for years and it seemed to only make things worse. However, because I was having difficulties driving on the highway and giving presentations (big part of my job as a sales rep at a bank), he agreed to give me Klonopin on an "as needed basis." I only took it a couple times per week; however, here I am several years later with an even more stressful work environment finding that I need it most days due to my presentation schedule and the need to drive the highways. He insist that it would be better for me to go on a daily med. I just resent my work stress making me go on something I don't trust. I did not see them work for my father, I don't want to gain the weight and have to go through the trial and error period while at work (side effects).
My husband is currently out of a job, so I HAVE to keep my job. Any advice out there would be greatly appreciated. Anyone out there with a similar situation? I know Klonopin cannot be a life answer. Dose has increased as my body got used to it, and it really is not good long term. I've tried natural products, with no help. 