severe anxiety episodes

How did he respond to benzodiazepines like Xanax during a panic attack? Benzodiazepines should only be used when you actually are having a panic attack. A benzodiazepine taken one time or two times per week it should be helpful along with therapy. You should be able to get teletherapy right away. I reciently enrolled in therapy just with Google and had my first appointment two days later.

I had a similar issue at that age.

After a lucky coincidence, I learned I had severe sleep apnea. Treatment for that calmed me down a lot.

Panic attacks returned later when I had a very high-stress job and a murderous commute. I was desperate for help. At that time, I learned of something called EFT, or Emotional Freedom Technique, AKA "Tapping". It uses tapping on acupressure points to address various issues.

EFT really changed my life. It took some time and some practice, but I found it to be highly effective for dealing with anxiety (and other stuff).
One of the best things -- there are lots of free YouTube videos that you can use. One good example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ig6QRNUTdY&pp=ygUXanVsaWUgc2NoaWZmbWFuIGFueGlldHk%3D

Give it a try. I know it seems weird at first, but more and more people are getting good results.

Thanks, Scott....I'm going to check that out. I do take 1 mg. of Xanax daily....have had horrible panic attacks & in general, anxiety. I wish I didn't have to take anything at all....but this has gone on for years. I'm determined to be happy, though....and always hope for the best. Thanks again!! 🙂

Let me know how it goes, Monica!

I just watched it, Scott...did the 'tapping' as she did it. My Nephew was told to do that at one time...he was having so much anxiety, a bad marriage and panic attacks. I needed to SEE the video, though (thank you!!)...I think it DOES help....not to the point where ALL of the anxiety melts away....depending on how bad it is at the time....I think just verbalizing what you're going through, as she did....and accepting it....plus loving yourself and not feeling negative thoughts about yourself, helps....and the tapping calms you and takes your mind off some of what you are feeling. I'm going to try this when I'm away from home...LOL not tapping my whole body as she was doing, people are going to look at me as if I'm nuts... 🙂 ....but against my hand, maybe my arm, something like that....and say the affirmations in my head. It DID help me feel more relaxed. I am SO thankful that it helped you. We ALL deserve to feel better!!

I'm glad it helped, Monica.

I hope you'll stick with it. In my case, feeling anxious had become a reflex to just about every situation. It took me a while to un-learn that and realize there was an alternative to pressing the panic button..

Xanax helps, but has negative side affects. Not sure if he’s been prescribed Benz.

That is exactly what I need to realize, Scott. I've had anxiety for so long...and easily felt panic....I need that 'alternative', also. Going through grief, too...never been this bad, but I still have faith things will get better! 🙂 Supposed to have an appointment soon with a counselor, just waiting on it. It's hard for me to reach out for help. Have a great day, Scott and thank you.

Scott I had for 2 years, depression, anxiety, panic attack’s all the time. I was a salesman and often had get up in front of people. Try bio feedback, it teaches you to relax. But you need to fix where your anxiety comes from. Mine was bad marriage, bad boss, money issues, pain issues. I know what you’re going through and it’s horrible. But you can climb out of it, talk to a professional, psychologist. ( for medication ) Plus try to get out of what’s making you suffer. Good luck