Anxiety Taking Over

[Anxiety0318]

I feel like my anxiety is taking over my life. I have a fear of dying and I won't even leave the  house now. I'm 18 and I've had it for about 6 years. I see a therapist twice a week and take Sertraline but I still feel way overwhelmed. Any suggestions?

[Anxiety0318]

Thank you to all 3 of you. I have been on Sertraline for about 2 years now on and off. My therapist recommended that I do deep breathing like especially on car rides because that's when I experience a lot of anxiety too. Also, she is a Christian-based therapist so she tells me to write down Bible verses about fear and then read them aloud when I'm in a panic situation, like a car ride for example. I have tried going for walks, as she also suggested and I don't make it far before I turn around and go home, but she says it's progress if I just go a little farther everyday. Thanks again for all the feedback, and I hope to overcome this!

[j17c27]

Often theres a root for anxiety.  Try and think of why you are so afraid of this.  I mean, everyone fears dying on some level, but there is a reason behind why it has you so caught up and debilitated.  How long have you been taking Sertraline? Maybe its not the medication for you.  I went through 3 medications before I found one that worked.  I think you should talk to your therapist about finding a root to your issues.  I grew up, ever since being a toddler, with a fear of throwing up.  It was literally the most debilitating thing of my life.  I grew up in constant terror every day that I would throw up or someone else would and it took over my life so bad I never thought i would be able to function normally in life.  Ive had therapists and medications, but all it took was finding out the root of why I have this phobia, and all of a sudden its like everything clicked, and now I can manage my anxiety which is something I NEVER thought could happen.  
Have you tried some home remedies for anxiety? Chamomile tea, eating healthy, and exercize all helps.  Also, finding a hobby can really be great too because it helps you focus on something else and gives you something to invest your time and interest in rather than anxiety.  The important thing is that you never give up.  I really believe you can overcome this.  Get to the root, build yourself up again and you can move forward in life happily and stronger than ever

[aguero11]

hello i felt the same way in may and june this year but i have been on zoloft till the present and i can work and exercise and see a counselor. you should know you aren't going crazy your arent' going to die. Try leaving your home just for a few minutes each day and you will notice nothing is happening to you, nothing to fear. take deep breathes .. look into self help programs like attacking anxiety and depression it helps

[dolphin8808]

Does your therapist help with the thought process, as in does he / she give you techniques to try and help you deal with the fears?  How to take it one step at a time?  It soulds like you are regressing not progressing which means that maybe you need a change in therapy technqiues or a change in therapist completely.