Hi Welcome, I'm new too.. I don't like taking medication honestly, it hasn't helped me. Does it help you?!.
what do you feel when the anxiety is extra hard?!

Honestly I don't know if it's helps me or it's psychological! When it's extra hard, it's usually at night just before bed and I just feel sick in my stomach and dread the next day as I think something awful is going to happen. My mind does be racing. What about you?

A good friend said to do 50 jumping jacks when anxiety is at its peak. Also, I would highly suggest not taking the Xanax, only because it can become a "safety" and addictive. Try journaling, looking at celebrity gossip, play a game on your phone, pet a dog, or read a book. Stay strong!

Thanks summerbabe88, I agree with you about th xanex every doctor I've ever been to uses this as a quick fix solution and offers no alternative, it's very sad!

There are books on the subject and workbooks. You can get ideas from those.

Xanax and Clonopin are examples of drugs that are easy to rely on for quick relief but you will soon build a tolerance to them after awhile and then have an equally hard time walking away from them.

Most medical professionals will always recommend drugs no matter what your problem is--it's the fastest way to dismiss your concerns. For me, drugs usually only make my health issues worse (with the exception of drugs to treat serious disease). I have found that if I am sick even with a cold or flu, I use alternatives to prescription drugs and usually heal. Try to avoid drugs for anxiety. Using drugs for anxiety is only avoiding finding long term, healthy cures for your problems. Use meditation, breathing exercises, biofeedback, exercise, reading, playing with animals, keeping a journal, watching calming films, emailing friends.
Get a PhD psychologist to see you regularly--talk therapy is very helpful! Also, get a lot of sleep and change your diet--cut out caffeine, all sugar and junk food. Drink a lot of water but no alcohol. Eat foods you prepare at home--vegetables, fruit, lean meat, whole grains. Eat smaller meals throughout the day not large meals. I hope this information helps you.

Thanks guys all great advice! Marci you have given me lots to work with, cheers!

Don't be afraid of the Xanax, used correctly it is a big help.

I use EFT (tapping). It reduced my anxiety several times but there are times that i just have to take sedoxil.

Since age 12 I have been trying to figure out how to avoid the panic surge. I have found multiple things that work for me. Sometimes one works better than the other and sometimes nothing works at all! But here is a list of the things I do to help cope with the crippling anxieties:
-coloring
-painting on a canvas (I'm not an artist at all!)
-computer games
-comedy shows
-busy work
-and of course: PRAYING!

Thanks so much for all yer help and suggestions. Much appreciated xx have a great weekend everyone

A good Dr that prescribes Xanax or Klonopin is not going to let you become addicted to it. They monitor it very closely. It can take the edge off to give you some relief. Don't be afraid to take it if needed, as most of us with anxiety disorders do not become addicted because we always want to be in control. Best advice is see a psychiatrist that can set you up with a psychologist. The two of them working together on your behalf will have you back on track in no time. I had a 10 month stent of anxiety/panic attacks. It was awful, I almost became agoraphobic. A good nurse friend of mine looked at me one day and said "Deb, it's time for you to see a professional." 6 weeks later I was back to my old self and felt 100% better. I still deal with generalized anxiety at times but I know what causes it. It is trying to be strong and perfect for to long until my body catches up with me and the symptoms start happening, Fear, dread, heart palpitations. This is my clue to sit back and write out the things that are stressing me out, I circle the things I can control and cross off what I can't. The circled things are broken down in order of importance, By the end of my journal I am wiping things off my plate that I don't need to deal with. It helps a lot. I have even been told at times back when my anxiety was crippling to play it out. I had a hard time getting in the car and driving across town to see my psychologist. He said play it out. What if I got into a car accident because the anxiety made my heart stop......what if I lost my mind on the way......the bottom line is it was unreal expectations. Remember anxiety is caused from built up stress. Get rid of the stress and you will feel better and stop beating yourself up to be perfect. I promise you you will be ok.

Try your meditation first thng in the morning. Pick one that is at least 30 minutes. Check out you tube

Thanks Grodin, ill give it a try for sure :) Deb822 youve given me a lot to consider and I appreciate it! Im going to give the journaling you mentioned a try, it sounds like a great tool. I am so glad you are feeling so much better!!