[Charla]

Hi, I'm new here and just wanted to tell anyone who needs alot of proof that they can overcome anxiety and panic attacks, that I am proof! I have had these for over 13 years. I became agoraphobic too and was afraid to even leave my home at one point. It "went away" briefly and came back... what I did was become addicted to Xanax, which is probably a good medicine for very short term use or someone who isn't easily addicted to things or is getting counceling also. But I ended up just self-medicating and not knowing how to use the "tools" that we know about (deep breathing ect.) Well I have even been in legal trouble because of that addiction. I have been off of it for 76 days now and the first several weeks my anxiety was so much worse. I was also having obsessive thoughts that scared me to death. I'm now in treatment and counceling for both addiction and anxiety and have started a mild non addictive anti depressant that is helping me. I was afraid to take it because of the side effects like most of us, but it was worth it. I'm able to go places alone now and do things I couldn't do before. I feel so much more hopeful and possitive. Self esteem has a huge basis in anxiety, I believe. So that is what I'm working on too! I have a message board if anyone wants to visit, http://www.newbravesouls.bravehost.com. And I love hearing about someone's accomplishment who is suffering from this, and I also want to just support anyone who feels stuck like I did. I'm very grateful for my life and that I'm okay now. Thanks for letting me post.