I'm only 17, and was told I have anxiety at the start of this year. For a while I thought I had it but was scared to tell anyone because my best friend also has anxiety, i thought people would think that I'm looking for attention. I find it hard to explain my anxiety to people. It physically makes me sick and I feel as if I can't breathe. I get this because I'm scared of so many things. I can't get into a car without thinking about having an accident; germs being everywhere, small or big changes in my life also cause them to happen. I haven't seen anyone about it yet. I'm too scared of what they will say and think of me. But now looking at what everyone has said has encouraged me to finally see someone.

My Father in law is 74 and started having anxiety attacks in January of 2011. Test found mass on his upper chest which we believe is what triggered it. The lump turned out to be negative and so are various tests, however, his condition is getting worse and it debilitated him. It's funny because he was normal last Christmas. Now he can't even bath, dress, feed, lay down/up by himself. His and his family's quality of life has been very low. He constantly says that he wants to die or he is going to die. We don't know what to do anymore. He is taking valium and ativan but they only work temporarily. We need to find a solution ASAP, before it's too late. Please advise if you have the same situation.

I have had anxiety and panic attacks for over 8 months now. It all started when I watched my partner have a seizure. Like everyone else I felt like I was going to die. I haven't had a panic attack for over 2 months now which is great, but still suffer with the physical side of anxiety like muscle spasms, aches and pains and irritable bowel syndrome. I refused to take any medication for my anxiety, so I tried acupuncture. It really works but takes time. From taking this route I don't get panic attacks anymore and I hope to be symptom free soon. Literally helps to think positive and don't let it over power you.

I have social anxiety. Although I don't mind being in crowds, it's only when I have to prove myself to others, and I worry what others will think of me. I developed this anxiety at the beginning of last year. I have had some horrible panic attacks, even on one occasion when I was on a date with a guy. I honestly thought I was going to collapse or freak out. With my symptoms, it's not just feeling the fear, it's physical, too. I flush hot and cold, shake, and my jaw tenses. I feel as if I can't breathe when I'm talking; I get the urge to run or leave. I never used to be like this; I used to be really confident and happy-go-lucky. I have tried numerous medications and have spoken to many counselors, but I do feel as if I'm at my wits end. I'm currently taking Zoloft, which I have been on for four weeks. They are good, as they have hardly any side effects, but I don't feel as if there is any improvement as far as the anxiety goes. My doctor told me to stay on them as things usually start to get better after six weeks or so. I will see how it goes.

I have had anxiety for the past six months. I found out the hard way: I was in bed with a bad cold and was not getting any better. After two weeks, I started to worry about my health and my family. Then it felt as if I was having a stroke. My hands and feet cramped up, and I could not stand up. I also could not control my breathing. After being rushed to the ER four times and having every test run on me, all the tests came back OK. I am still dealing with anxiety, but I am getting help from doctors and medication. This is a huge challenge in my life, but it does get better.

I've had anxiety ever since I was 19, when I had my first child. I used to throw up every day and have horrible anxiety attacks. At one point, I went to the hospital twice a week. I told myself I wouldn't live past 25. Well, after three years, I finally found a doctor. She is amazing. I've told her everything about my life and she put me on Ativan (2 mg daily), Pristiq (50 mg), and mirtazapine (45 mg). I don't have panic attacks nearly as bad any more. My advice would be to find an anxiety doctor who has been doing this for awhile. If you don't, the only thing that will 100% stop your anxiety is Xanax. Sorry if you don't think this is right, but people need this stuff. That's why doctors and scientists made it.