i have been suffering from anxiety for as long as i can remember. it ebbs and flows, sometimes it's more intense than other times. mainly i don't know life without it, and so i adapt and deal and usually don't notice how much it's hurting me.

the past few days my anxiety has been driving me up the wall. i'm breathing heavily, losing feeling in my hands and feel like my head is mushed into this box that my thoughts just can't break beyond. it is interfering with my getting anything done, which makes me in turn feel even more out of control. and i've no desire to see or talk to anyone because i'm just too anxious.

i have a bottle of zoloft sitting in my cabinet but have been forestalling it for months, mainly because i'm scared of getting addicted to it, becoming dependent on it or losing tolerance for it, thus being forced onto stronger and stronger meds. an acquaintance recently commited suicide because his prescription medications were messing him up - in his case effexor. i am scared that zoloft will lead me down a similar path, but i need help with this anxiety! i'd appreciate both positive and negative input on zoloft, if anyone has a moment to offer....

thanks!