Posted by maririp on October 15, 2002, at 9:41:59
In reply to Re: A question for Anxiety Ann, posted by ANXIETY ANN on October 14, 2002, at 10:10:00
> > Hi - I too suffer from anxiety/panic attacks. I have used benzo's only when needed, but find that instead of taking them I will often just avoid a situation (usually regarding traveling outside my comfort area.) Thus, I don't have panic or anxiety on a daily basis, but I have unnecesarily restricted my life and activities. Have you experience agoraphobia as well? If so, do you find that taking the benzo's on a daily basis helps you to do the things you would normally avoid?
> > Any experiences you can share would be appreciated.
> > Thanks
>
> *****
>
> Hi
>
> Unfortunately the dose of xanax that I was on did not keep me from avoiding going places I feel un comfortable about. Everytime I have to go somewhere, that dreaded feeling of anxiety hits me. I know how you feel, its been six years of this. With my therapist I am learning to plug along through all this. I'm hoping that Lexapro will help. Hang in therehi. I also went through agoraphobia. I wouldnt go outside my comfort zones either. My worst fear was driving in a car because thats where i had my fist full blown panic attack. Then one christmas I was taking my kids to get pictures made and I became so overwhelmed I had to go back home. I hated that. What I did to overcome it was set small goals for myself making it from one point to the next sayin ok I did that I got this far. I still get overwhelmed when i have to drive long distances but I refuse to give in to panic and limit my life. If I feel anxious I wont pull over, I turn up the radio and sing. I open windows and keep going and most of all I control my breathing. Keep at it. Set small goals and go further and further, its so satisfying to beat these feelings and limits.
GOOD LUCK
poster:maririp
thread:109458
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021012/msgs/123741.html