[LoveConquers]

My boyfriend has horrible anxiety. His doctors recommend Xanax but, due to his previous pull addiction, he won't take them. He's scared to try new things, and he rarely ever leaves his house. Regardless, it makes him extremely unhappy. And I just wanted to know how I could help him.
Thanks<3

[Eliza Jane]

Have his doctors suggested an SSRI (prozac, lexapro, zoloft, celexa, paxil)? They are a different class of drugs that do not lend themselves to being abused and have been shown to help anxiety. It is something he should ask about.

One book I like about anxiety is by David Burns, MD called "When Panic Attacks." It is not just about panic attacks, it is about other types of anxiety too.

Of course, ideally, he should see a therapist. Is that something he is open to?

Best,
EJ

[ECHOES]

You can encourage him to consider psychotherapy to help him with this.
Xanax can't help with the fears that are behind his anxiety, but talking with someone who is accepting, non-judgemental, and very used to helping people with these kinds of things is what will help him grow and make his life feel so much better.

[elliemay]

Inderal is another drug that has some benefit with anxiety. It's non-addictive and has been around for years and years.

It's something he might want to consider.

IMO, the bottom line is that your influence here is somewhat limited. If he is unhappy he is going to have to take the steps to help himself.

Of course, you can encourage therapy or at least getting him in front of a psychiatrist, but this is his show.

Support, positive reinforcement when he does leave the house, and understanding is about all you can offer him.