slicer1028 0 Posted March 1, 2016 Hello everyone my name is Chris i just signed up for this. About two years ago i started having anxiety and panic attacks. Just like everyone else here probably, I thought i was having a heart attack at first and I went to the ER a bunch of times because I didn't know what was happening. Had all the tests done (EKG, chest x-ray, blood work, stress test), and everything came out normal of course. I saw a doctor that diagnosed me with GAD, and put me on anti depressants and anxiety medications, but those just made me feel like a zombie. I was on benzos for over a year, which helped at first but then I built up such a tolerance for them that they didn't help anymore, so i stopped taking them, which caused terrible withdrawal. I ended up in the hospital for a few nights to detox from them and get help with the withdrawal. I'm still on some different meds now, but hopefully soon I will be off all of them. I was supposed to start therapy months ago, but I have been having a tough time getting up the courage to go, so I've been avoiding it. I was hoping maybe this would help, being a little more anonymous. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
b00ts 16 Posted March 1, 2016 Hi and welcome! We're all in this together, and we're all a hoot and a half Stick around! 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JOYCICLE 654 Posted March 2, 2016 Welcome to AC. I'm sorry you're struggling but trust me, many here know exactly what you're going through. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jenniferhop 17 Posted March 2, 2016 Welcome to AC! 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cassandra 44 Posted March 2, 2016 Hi Chris welcome to ac. Therapy is not as scary once you start, and with the added bonus of no withdrawal issues It doesn't help for everyone but is definitely worth a shot. It's important to find a therapist you can connect with. If you don't like one, find another that you do. Why not try asking if you could start with a phone session instead of in person, or an online one. They should be able to do that for you. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slicer1028 0 Posted March 2, 2016 Thanks everyone it's nice to be able to talk to people that understand because they have the same issues. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pistol Star 18 Posted March 4, 2016 Hi slicer, I'm new too. I had a similar path than you except for the benzos that I only took maybe 2-3 weeks in over 10 years. I too had several test, thyroid etc... I really encourage you in finding a good therapist. I have see the same psychologist for about 5 years and it really help me. I advise you to be really cautious about the tapering of your meds, keep in touch with your doctor and do it very carefully. I was upped too fast on antipressant in the past and stopped cold turkey, both ways are really unpleasant and when your mind is confused, It is hard to have an objective opinion. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JungleJulia 235 Posted March 4, 2016 Hi Slicer! Welcome to Anxiety Central Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites