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Hey so if you’re suffering from clinical-level anxiety for some odd reason lately here are some things to think about
1. Anxiety feels the worst? It causes all kinds of weird af symptoms. The most baffling medical symptoms I’ve ever had from anxiety (I’ve had it my whole life).
2. Clinical anxiety is super treatable, probably the most treatable mental illness. It can also get a lot worse if you don’t address it, and other medical stuff needs to be ruled out, so get thee to a doctor.
3. Benzos (Xanax, Valium, etc.) can help but have a really limited role. IANAD, but these meds arent good for long term anxiety. They can be really dangerous, especially if you’re vulnerable to addiction or drink a lot of alcohol.
Good news though—there are a ton of medications that can help your anxiety, that aren’t tranquilizers. Something you might want to do is try treating your worst physical symptom. That resolve feelings of panic even without other meds!
*can resolve
For example, beta blockers can calm your body (by blocking adrenalin), helping you to think things through. Doctors might not bring this up because of their training but usually get it if you say something.
People use beta blockers all the time for stage fright; they’re fine for panic attacks too.
Another medicine I’ve had good luck with is hydroxizine (Atarax); it’s an older antihistamine (!) that is sometimes used for anxiety. Weirdly, I’ve found that this medicine is the best for rumination (repetitive, obsessive thoughts).
Anyway I know anxiety can make you feel particularly crazy. Please know that it’s treatable and common, and you don’t have to live with it.
