Low dose anti-depressants are often a suggested route for anxiety, which is interesting. I have depression and take Lexapro and Abilify for it with good effect, but I also take Gabapentin for my anxiety. All of these have mild side-effects for me, such as some weight gain (not morbidity) and some brain fog. So, there is some caution warranted in medication if you can use other methods to address the anxiety. If your anxiety is episodic, CBT techniques may be helpful in resolving in your mind that the anxious feelings and the physical manifestations are false assumptions or errors in your thinking such as catastrophizing the moment(s) of distress. You did well to remove yourself to another place when you were near panic, but it must have been very hard to do. I would go back to the psychiatrist to review what medication might be helpful for you. I am cautious about benzos, though they work well for immediate relief, because they can be habit forming and hard to quit. All told, I perceive that you are handling things well for yourself in difficult times.

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