(05-11-2017, 09:58 AM)luckydate Wrote: Of course everyone is different but it's become nearly impossible for doctors to really help.  I know for me what works with the severe anxiety is exercise but actually getting myself outside where I live means dealing with people and a LOT of people most of the time which only escalates my anxiety.  Once I get through it I'm always better.

For me it's been a work in progress for at least 15 years now and just looking out for myself.  I'm sure the alcohol has a very similar effect on your fight or flight response as some of the medications (that I'm not sure I can mention here) would.  Unfortunately alcohol brings it's own set of issues as do meds.  Once we get that tolerance, for some of us it's a vicious cycle.  

I have found some things that work (one of which is actually called "the work") in addition to the exercise and just KNOWING I have a medical way out of a severe anxiety attack in my back pocket can be a huge relief, even if I don't use it.  Sometimes those responses manifest very physical symptoms - you're not alone looking for help that you need that's for sure.