Hi!

[Nikki]

I'm a 45 year old female, living in northern california, I suffer from anxiety, panic attacks and depression. I guess I've suffered on and off for a number of years, but only recently taken steps to try and get through this.

[angelyork]

Hi Nikki

Anxiety, panic attacks and depression - that's me too!

What are the steps you're taking? I'd be really interested to hear what works for you (and doesn't). Most days I feel like I've already given up.

Good luck

Angel

[Nikki]

Hi Angel

Hope your doing well today.

I was given a beta blocker quite a few years ago and that helped me, at least with the panic attacks, they weren't as frequent. I still had the anxiety and depression but could at least cope with it, until last year.

My doctor has now put me on xanax (it really relaxes me when meditation doesn't work) for the anxiety, but I only take them as a last resort (probably wait too long), as I really don't like taking any drugs. She also wanted to put me on an anti-depressant but I refused and chose to see a therapist instead.

I've been seeing a therapist for a couple of months (now that’s hard, but she's good, she isn't pressurising me to take meds), she too thinks I should take something to help balance me. So I went to the Dr about three weeks ago and she gave me sample of effexor, came home looked up the drug on the net, and decided not to take it. On Thursday I took the sample back to her, told her my concerns about it and she prescribed Prozac 10 mg daily. Problem is I haven't taken it yet!

I'm also doing meditation and reading. I just got a cognitive behavioural work book, I'm trying to understand my mind. I feel like I'm going crazy!!! one minute I'm fine the next I'm so low. My mind just won't stop. I should probably have sought help a long time ago, guess I thought it was just life.

What helps you? Are you on an anti-depressant?