Anxiety has been flaring up for a while now. I'm having attacks more and more often. My triggers are usually new and unfamiliar places or situations. Last week my dh and I took dc to a seaside we haven't been to before and I had an attack in the car. Then I took my eldest to a bonfire and had an attack there.
I also struggle with things like appointments, long car journeys, visiting other peoples homes. It's getting worse. My symptoms are panic, sweating, racing heart and retching. But the worst one is an urgent need for the loo (classic fight or flight) which makes me even more panicky if we are on the motorway or in a place where there are no toilets. It's getting where I only feel happy and safe if I'm in a familiar routine and familiar surroundings which is really affecting my quality of life.
So with this in mind I'm thinking of speaking to my GP about starting medication. I took citalopram for about a year before I became pregnant and although it didn't really cure my issues it did help me to feel stronger and have more of a 'fuck it' attitude. It made me very groggy and killed my libido though which wasn't great.
I wondered if anyone has any other advice or experience about what medication or techniques helped them with panic and anxiety? If I could avoid medication I would but I feel like I'm passed the point of exercise and good diet now. I can't get this overthinking under control and it's impacting on my life. My dc are missing out because I don't want to go places. The sad thing is I do want to but I feel unable because of the fear of a panic attack/toilet incident.
Any tips about medication or other techniques would be amazing. I did try CBT but it was useless.