I've hesitated to respond because I know many will disagree, but here goes anyway, if it helps, so be it! I have suffered with anxiety - we know now - since I was a child - primarily situational due to family issues. But, as an adult was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and panic attacks too. The only thing that helped me - other than God (of course) has been Xanax. I've been on and off it for probably close to 20 years. You notice, I say "off it" as well. My doctor says it's a band-aid and when I don't need it anymore, I'll be able to get off it - and I have, several times. Right now - I'm back on it due to high stress. But, after all these years, I have never exceeded the recommended dosage - and I'm not even at the top dosage. I used to freak about being addicted - but, really in depth research has proven real addiction is at dosages higher than 4 mg. a day and I haven't been there. But, that's just what has helped me. I'm not advocating drugs, but when you can't function, you reach out for what helps and help comes in different forms. At one time, I couldn't sleep at all and was having panic attacks all day and all night, so I was desperate - all I could do was cry out to God. I don't know why, but even after all these years, I feel ashamed that I'm still having to take it. I think it's because most anti-depressants are "socially acceptable", but anti-anxiety drugs are not. It's like a vicious cycle - the IBS kicks up, I get sick, then I get anxious. Or an anxious situation causes the IBS to kick in!
-------------------- "I Will Survive! :-)... I shall live and not die and declare the works of The Lord..."
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|