I'm 21 years old and have had anxiety for as long as I can remember. But, the past 6 months it has been REALLY bad. So bad, that a lot of times I just get HORRIBLE panic attacks going into malls or stores and have to leave immediately. When I get an attack I get: Dizzy, visual changes, breathing changes, sweatiness, and just very bad thoughts of me dying. I recently quit my job ~ it was a family business and they always fought and brought me into and it caused me to have bad anxiety and panic attacks there. i just always think i'm dying. i have levoscoliosis and spasms in my neck which gives me these bad sharp pains in my head and i always think i'm having a stroke or heart attack and that i'm going to die.

i really don't understand why it's been SO bad in the past 6 months, I just don't get it. i never thought i was going to have a stroke or die like this.

i've been on ativan and xanax in the past but i really don't like taking that stuff. medicine really scares me.

is there any alternative treatment that can help me? or any medicine that does wonders? i've been to therapists in the past but i have a really hard time opening up to people.

thanks so much for all your help!