Living with Severe Anxiety

Many years ago, I took a prescription drug that had an intolerable side-effect: severe anxiety. I couldn't sit still. I couldn't concentrate. I felt like I was coming out of my skin. After about six weeks I couldn't stand it anymore and my doctor prescribed a different drug. Though I live with chronic, problematic anxiety, it rarely rises to the level of what I experienced while on that drug. I wonder about people who struggle all the time with such severe anxiety and panic attacks. I wouldn't have been able to function if I'd had to keep taking that drug. How do other people cope with debilitating anxiety disorders?

When Severe Anxiety Takes Over Your Life

Anxiety disorders are fairly common, affecting about one in nine Americans. Justin Dobbs, our guest on the HealthyPlace Mental Health TV Show, is one of them. He started experiencing severe anxiety and panic attacks 2 1/2 years ago. During one six month period, he went to the ER every single night. He became obsessed with his health, checking his pulse and blood pressure many times a day.

I would sleep in the parking lot of the hospital some nights just to feel safe, to feel O.K., to feel content with being scared but near help.

Eventually, his panic attacks stopped. But his anxiety only got worse, with symptoms evolving into paranoia and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Today, Justin says he's slowly recovering with anxiety disorder treatment and wants to help others who are also living with severe anxiety disorders. Visit his website here.

Video on Living with Severe Anxiety

The original interview with Justin is no longer available, but here is Justin describing his anxiety in one of his own videos

Share Your Severe Anxiety Experiences

Do you struggle with anxiety and panic attacks? Please share your experiences in the comments below.