Hi afterthestorm,

and

I was the same way when I battled panic disorder. I was very "against" being on meds at that time in my life (I was mid 20's) and chose to stick with therapy as my main fix of the anxiety.

Exercise was a HUGE help to me!! I would become overflowing with major tension, and had to let it out somehow, so I chose exercise. Long, steady walks (as I listened to music, to get out of my head, helped a lot), lifting weights, pilates videos.

Coloring in a silly coloring book or crafts helped.

Writing in a journal about how I was feeling, what was on my mind.

Watching strictly comedies helped me ~ no drama or "love story" whatsoever, just simple comedy.

Those things helped me a lot ~ music was pretty huge on my list though. #1 while exercising is far ahead of the others for me, personally. I wish you the best!!