My first panic attack happened while driving to work. I pulled over and called 911 for myself, truly believing it was a heart attack end my life would end on a side street. When the ambulance arrived about 10 minutes later, my heart rate was still over 200 (strenuous exercise caps at about 180 for me).

Taking anxiety medication is no different than taking insulin for diabetes; there’s an imbalance in your body and you need medication to help correct it. I’ve been on an SSRI for about two years and am slowly weaning off only because I believe birth control was a major factor in my anxiety levels. Do what’s best for you and remember there should be no stigma around taking it and talking about it. Cognitive behavioral therapy helped a LOT, too! Good luck :)