I'm not an expert by any means, but have you thought about cognitive therapy in conjunction with meds? I was clinically depressed from the age of 11 until the age of 20, and when I finally sought treatment during my junior year of college, it was the combination of cognitive therapy and Zoloft that really did it for me. My sister has some anxiety issues, and the cognitive therapy did wonders for her, too. In any case, don't worry about whether or not you'll have to take Lexapro for life just yet. If you feel it's going to help, start taking it. You can re-evaluate the situation periodically once you've got the anxiety/depression under control. One step at a time. I shall stand over here and wave the pom-poms of encouragement for you.