Hey @~Christina! Thanks for reaching out. Let me tackle your questions one by one.

Have you tried any new coping skills?
I’ve been trying some new things for me as well as old – I’ve tried journaling, coloring, breathing techniques, meditation/prayer, reading, and a few other similar ones. They do help some, but the help doesn’t last too long it seems.

Can you reach out to your Pdoc first thing Monday morning?
I probably could get ahold of him this coming week sometime, but I really don’t know what help it would be. I just don’t think there is much more medicine can do for me. (I am taking my meds as prescribed and don’t plan to stop – I’m just not seeing results in terms of anxiety). I guess I’m being pessimistic in some senses – we’ve tried Klonopin, and it doesn’t work. Maybe another medicine would help? I’ve heard of a few that aren’t benzos that seem to be effective. Like BuSpar? I might make a plan to give a call just to get some advice if nothing else. I’m working with my therapist too.

Do you think you can keep yourself safe?
Yeah, I’m not feeling suicidal or have any want to hurt myself. Plus I live with family and so I have that added layer of protection in case something did happen and I began to feel that way. I’m safe – uncomfortable, but safe.

Maybe calling a hotline would help you , Ground you ?
At this time I don’t think it’s necessary, and it would cause more anxiety for me I think. I fear they will misinterpret what I say and call police to evaluate me or something. I just don’t like the thought of hotlines. I’ve used hotlines once or twice (not suicide hotlines, per se. It was similar but it was a coping with negative emotions hotline. Same process, really) and because of my fear they really didn’t offer much help (because they didn’t have a lot to go on). In the end, right now I don’t think I need that.

The important thing to note is that I am safe, just struggling. We all have been there, I guess. I just need to weather it better I think. If you have any other coping skills you want to contribute, please let me know! I’m open to suggestions.