Hi Nay16,
I go through this also, I think what we go through is the nature of the beast, and we first have to accept what we are dealing with is just part of who we are. I'm starting to believe that we have to make a conscious effort ALL the time, to handle this. Staying positive when we are in are ups and downs. I know It's tough, but hang in there.

First, don't feel embarrassed. Are you in therapy? I have no problem with controlled, monitored xanax usage, but you should probably be in therapy.

There's also a school of thought with xanax that says to use it at scheduled times. (Small amounts!) Something like .125 in the morning and after dinner might be enough to help you keep calm while you learn to work on your anxiety yourself. But, be careful. It's habit forming. As long as you're smart with it, you'll be fine. People make it out to be much worse than it is, but it does require simply being smart and controlled about use.

What you're talking about is called setback. It's part of recovery. But, you need to make sure you're IN recovery. What is your plan?
Are you working with a therapist on a plan?

I devised most of my plan using several books, mostly by Dr. Claire Weeks, and Dr. Stuart Shipko.

Moving past these symptoms involves acceptance. That's a learned skill and one you may need help with. But, as soon as you have a plan... you'll be on your way to recovery. The meds won't cure it. They're simply a tool to lessen harsh symptoms as you learn to rid yourself of your disorder.

I do go to therapy...on and off for ten years. I have currently been working with the same therapist for about 3 years.
I was originally prescribed xanax back in 2001 and have carried it for 10 years. The first 5 years, I maybe went thru 2 refills. I def. take it more often now.
I agree with you Bryan that meds do not cure anything, it is all up to us.

My worse time of day is in the morning.90% of the time I take 1 xanax in the morning.Some days are good other days are filled with anxiety.Three good weeks says you are doing good in handling things.We all have our bad days.Have you tried unwinding at night maybe soft music,hot tea.Reading a book before bed might help.Maybe some of thoose waterfall cds.I hope your feeling better soon.

You sound like you're doing the right things, Nay. Don't beat yourself up. Keep working, keep accepting and keep believing you can recover.
(You can, and will.)

Setbacks are very normal.

Oh, and add me to the "mornings are worse" crowd. My anxiety is 3x-5x worse in the morning than it is after about noon, usually.

Be well.

This works for me "sometimes". Every symptom I get , I try to resolve it immediately. This way, I acknowledge it, then I take care of it and it is not as anxiety producing. So first take a deep breath, then take maybe a Tums for the bloating, or yogurt to soothe your stomach, fullness under the rib cage can be digestive, it can be gas, try moving, stretching,

I read some where to look at setbacks as growing spurts. The first time you had a n attack you wanted tp go to the er or call the doc asap, but now you can say oh I am breathing fast that is just my anxiety.

my anxiety is the worst in the mornings and usually last until noon. This makes it difficult to eat a meals. how do others deal with this? I sometime take a 0.25 Xanax to calm down.