Anxiety Update: 1 Year Later

So if you didn't see my post a couple weeks ago- I have more time in my schedule now and am back to working on my page!

Anxiety is one of the biggest topics I write about because I have struggled with it for SO long. However, over the last year I have made some major breakthroughs and I wanted to talk about it!

Last year in September/ October my anxiety was debilitating. I tried all of the natural remedies I could- cutting out caffeine, gluten, alcohol, working on breathing techniques, taking walks, reducing my birth control hormones... you name it. A lot of these helped, but nothing seemed to nip it in the butt.

As you may remember, I was highly against using medication to manage my anxiety and panic attacks, personally. However, after experiencing such bad anxiety that my everyday life was affected and I couldn't stand it any longer, I brought it up to my doctor. Although I was hesitant, she helped me find the lowest dose and safest option of medication for me. It has now been one year since I have been on this low dose medication and when I say my life has changed drastically... I MEAN IT.

Over the last year I paired this medication with other techniques of stress/anxiety management. Some that I have written about, and a few new ones. I now am able to drive without feeling dizzy or experiencing vertigo. My heart palpitations have nearly stopped. My panic attacks only come about once every few months as opposed to multiple times a week. I very rarely wake up with anxiety anymore. I finally feel like I have control again and it is so so GOOD.

Moral of the story- life is worth living. If you have tried everything in your power to control your anxiety and you are still struggling, there is NO shame in getting on medication. Work with your doctor to find what works best for you. It may be only for a little while, or a long time.

I had forgotten what life was like without chronic anxiety. I got so used to the daily grind and struggle that my rare few good days were still not like the days I have now. Now, life is easier, more fun, and way more worth living.

Although I still struggle with some anxiety once in a while, it is a blessing knowing that it won't run my life anymore. Make sure to stay tuned and watch for my first podcast released shortly!