Just joined

[artgirl]

Hi,
I'm new here but not new to anxiety. I have been dealing with life-altering anxiety for about five years. I've been through health anxiety and had so many tests done to rule out all sort of diseases. I've seen a therapist..more than one actually...and I'm just tired of talking. I'm not sure the therapy has helped. I'm sure I've always been a bit or a worrier but it was never like it is now. We had four deaths in two years among family and friends...one of them an adult step-child and another a best friend. I'm perimenopausal and wonder if this is contributing to my anxiety. I'm to the point of hyperventilation while sitting at home and going to church or a restaurant is brutal. I want my life back. Currently on .125 xanax 4 times per day...I feel like it's doing more harm than good. Could I be in a constant state of withdrawal? My youngest graduates in a week and my plan is to wean off the xanax gradually. I've tried all kinds of antidepressants and feel worse, sleep worse and even feel a bit depressed when on them. I feel lost and need encouragement and hope that I'll be normal again. Can anyone relate? Thanks for reading.

[Ratzinger]

Hi artgirl

Welcome to the forum. I think you will find it a great deal of help as I have. My anxiety comes and goes, but I'm on a really good run at the moment, and I've been helped a lot by this forum, just knowing that people are going through the same thing I have been going through. I think your plan of weaning yourself off the xanax is a good idea (as long as you have the approval from your doctor of course!) - if you can do it without meds, then that is all the better!

Also, be encouraged by your own behaviour! It would indicate to me that if you are trying to get off xanax, you are mentally very strong and it shows determination to fight your anxiety and beat it. Well done, and good luck. I'm sure it won't be easy, but if you can put yourself in a positive frame of mind, keep strong, and know that you are not alone, I think you'll get there! Again, welcome to the forum, and don't give up!