Hi Lisa, I've had anxiety since I was young. It would manifest as knots in my stomach, or I guess a nervous stomach. Then spiral down to worry, racing thoughts, feeling dizzy or off balance, lack of appetite and sometimes panic I also would get upper chest pains which landed me in the ER several times over the years, only to be told I was fine..... I've been on antidepressants 3 different times in my life. Once in my 30's for a year (Buspar) Once in my late 40's due to a major relocation (again for about a year)(Paxil) and the last time in my late 50"s due to a major life change (Lexapro). The first two times I weaned off with very few side effects. The last time I was put on Lexapro, which helped, and was on it for 8 years. I weaned very slowly but still went through awful withdrawals for almost 10 weeks.
I was 66 when I went off Lexapro (10 moths ago). It was a nightmare. I was on the Lexapro for a long time and having gone through menopause I no longer had sufficient hormones to help. I tried to get back on the Lexapro after about a month but the side effects from trying to get back on were worse. So I had to use all my resources and work thru it. Started acupuncture once a week for 6 weeks, massage, no alcohol , no caffeine, no sugar, B12 shots, meditation, yoga, and a lot of walking. I would have to get up every morning, even though I didn't sleep, and go for a long walk, and would walk again after work, and whenever I would feel the anxiety presenting itself physically. I had good days and bad days. After about 8 weeks I started some CBD oil that I got from a reliable source. It helped get me through. It worked slowly and after using it for about 2 weeks I felt like I was going to be ok and I felt great for about 4 months.. when I started going thru some changes in my life (and they were good changes.) (Change seems to trigger a lot of my anxiety) So here I am again with the nervous stomach, worry, and just general nervousness. I really don't want to go on medication again but definitely have not ruled it out.
I still meditate almost every day using the app Headspace, try to exercise, and watch what I eat and drink. It's a constant struggle and somedays I just think medication would be so helpful. I was tested for the MTHFR gene, which I do have, hence the B12 shots, which help a lot.
These forums have been so helpful. I guess I don't feel so alone . Hey, thanks for listening. Anxiety can be so crippling and all and any support is a God's send.