I've always been a worrier and was seeing the doctor at the end of last year due to stress - we'd relocated to a new area, were trying to sell our house and the usual stresses associated with looking after three children under 4 with no help (my dh is often away from home & works long shifts). I kept having a racing heart, shaking and dizzy spells, the doctor put it down to stress but as the symptoms were becoming less frequent we decided that I was managing with the stress ok which was fine with me as I was reluctant to go on any medication.
However a week ago it came to light that my mil has being spreading lies about me to my inlaws and turning them against me, we'd suspected this for a long time but she confirmed it during an argument with my dh. My dh told her that the things she is saying are simply not true but she won't believe him and says that I am trying to split up their family. I have always done my best towards his family. The thought that his whole family think that I am trying destroy their family has hit me really hard. I have started having panic attacks, I don't want to leave the house, have intrusive thoughts and often can't stop shaking. I just don't know what to do. I have tried so hard not to take medication for my anxiety but just feel like I'm not coping anymore. I feel so angry with myself for letting my mil make me feel like this, I should be stronger! I'm going to see my doctor on Thursday but don't really know what to say or if medication would help.