You're right, anyone who is not going through this or has never been through this, has not a clue about it. Do not let yourself feel guilty about taking something that lets you get on with your life. This panic monster uses guilt, fear, to make us more miserable. If you are taking the xanax for relief of symptoms, do not worry about what others say right now. It sounds like You and your dr. have a plan and are working to find a way for you to deal with this.

Jerry

sadly many of us got no help or understanding at all from our parents so you arent unusual
we understand you here

I personally don't have my parents anymore but I can surely relate to people not understanding...My own husband thinks I make it all up....he once said to me that I started to shake my leg (something I do when I am nervous or anxious) so that I could get attention or meds from the doctor! WTF! Excuse me but anyone that thinks we chose a life of fear and anxiousness needs meds themselves....i just find it better not to try to explain...as you said they will never understand unless they live it....Hopefully you will find some peace and understanding here, I have not been in this support group for very long...I have dealt with this for years though...so far this seems like a good caring group.....Trish

yep i find one of the worst things about anxiety disorder is how people tend to relate it to their normal occasional anxiety that might last for a few seconds / mins, when in reality for me this thing is so huge that it defines my life, something most people could never comprehend. I could never have imagined this before i experienced it myself, so i guess i can understand people thinking that way. It is probably the same with different illnesses. its very isolating though, especially because it is an emotional thing that people can't see with their own eyes (like say you could with a broken arm for instance) and be compassionate about, instead they just want you to "snap out of it". I guess though the positive would be that it has made me less judgemental and compassionate towards people.

I totally agree!!! Take as much Xanax as you need because the more time you spend without anxiety the less anxiety you will have in the long run! Like breaking a cycle.

No, nobody understands. My friends have a stressful day at work and the go "Oh now I know how you feel all the time" No. You. Don't. Because I don't feel "stressed" like I had a busy day. I feel like I am going to die (during an attack). Thats a little different then your day being bad because the fax machine broke and you had to skip your lunch break because someone else called in sick.

I'm not sure which is worse:

1. The people who think they know what it feels like but really have no clue. (I find it insulting because those of us with this disorder are tougher than most people and they always compare it to something trivial. )

2. The people who have NO clue and just want you to get over it. And say things like "If you were busier you wouldn't have time for anxiety". Or they think its just B.S. because why would you feel "terror" when nothing is happening. So they just decide that it doesn't exist.

Currently, my sister will not shut up about me taking a yoga class because she feels sooo relaxed after she takes one. Well, guess what? I would have a panic attack in 2 seconds if I had to try and stay "trapped" in a yoga class for 45 minutes! Same for getting a massage. My husband thinks I use anxiety as an excuse to get out of certain social events. Does he really think I like being an outcast because I have to miss peoples birthday parties, etc.? I hate that I can't do things like a normal person.

I totally know what you mean..do NOT feel guilty for taking xanax especially if it helps. What I can't stand is when people just tell you that you need to stop worrying. Pleeeease you think I want to worry? It takes time and WORK to learn to control your thoughts and I am still in the process of doing that. One thing that has been bothering me alot lately is that EVERYONE else's problems seem so pathetic. And I get so jealous of other people without anxiety or whatever because my life would be sooo much better without this darn disorder. I'm a little frustrated lol sorry for the vent.

hey its cool to vent it helps when you can relate to someone

if xanax works then atleast you know what does....

xanax is a great med, it really does the trick - the best anxiety med in my opinion.

I completely agree. I thought my boyfriend was my biggest supporter with my panic attacks and anxiety. It wasn't until later that I found out he thought I as overreacting for attention. He said my life seemed fine and I had no reason to be "anxious," therefore I shouldn't be having any issues.

The funny thing is, that's exactly what anxiety is..pointless panic over things that aren't actually wrong. He's never experienced it and will probably never understand it.

Serenity77 agree so much on the fact that it is not visible makes so hard for others to understand!! julryan i ve had the same people tell oh you should just do yoga..its so relaxing and i think
1I dont think we are stressed at the same level
2 i cant even bear the thought of being "stuck" in class for 45 mn or so... o cant breath normally half of the time let alone during a panic attack.

It is so difficult not having someone who can relate too and truly understand how we are wired!!
personally xanax saved me I take it and it helps me cope. if it makes you feel better take it.