I have suffered from Panic Disorder for almost 20 years and have managed, very successfully, to do so without meds. My children (4 boys-all teens) have driven me to a new level of panic that seems to have no answer as their choices are not within my control. Yesterday I started on Xanax because I can't seem to get beyond this setback, my panic which began 9 months ago became too much. Aside from the personal turmoil I feel about going on meds I realize I need to needing to this I know from previous experience the in an effort to quell my ever spiraling panicky thoughts. I know that once I find a way to live with the stressors from my children, and I mean serious, life-threatening stressors, I can live without meds and without panic.
I am new to the area and am in the process of locating a counselor..meanwhile, does anyone have any suggestions on dealing with stress that is not within our control?