Does life go back to normal after ssris?

First of all, try not to think about the results much, just focus on using your meds now and get well soon :)
As an SSRI user, I managed to beat my anxiety/panic issues with them but after sometime when they returned back, I just started using my prescribed meds again. No big deal, if you have to use meds for a long time.

Think about it like that, someone with diabetes uses meds a whole life time, right? And it's a serious condition and they keep on their lives with medication and controls.
Anxiety may return or go forever, you can never know but thinking about this constantly now will cause you more stress. But I am sure you will have success with meds :)

Mom,

Thank you so much for asking this question. This is something I think about a lot. I've had a bout with panic since the end of April. It's the longest episode I've ever had. I've had a prescription for an ssri for about three months now, but have never pulled the trigger. The first question I asked the pdoc was will I be able to get off the medication. He assured me I would be able to get off. And the more I research this, I am finding that people can live med free lives after being on an ssri. I wish you tons of luck and a speedy recovery.

Another question to ask is...

"What other treatments can I pursue, so that I have a chance at eventually weaning off my med successfully?"

Many people find that with therapy and/or self-help tools they can transition for their Rx, to relying solely on what they have learned in order to cope/manage.

(conversely, a great number of people need to keep taking their meds to help keep the chemistry of the brain healthy and happy...it is really on an individual basis that this must be determined.)

Wishing you much success in whatever direction you eventually take!

We support you in any outcome.:)

S.C.