I suffer from panic and anxiety attacks. I take zoloft and Xanax. Helps a lot. I also have a wonderful therapist

I have anxiety, depression and ptsd. I’m 57, it has been disabling for me. I also have other issues on why I’m on disability but I would say that my anxiety is 50% of it. I am on meds for it but it’s still so hard to function. People can’t always tell that I have it because I greet them with a smile but that little interaction of a face to face hello took every ounce of energy I had. I don’t know how to have a conversation because my brain shuts down. I just listen. People say I’m such a good listener.

I can relate to both of you… Nobody can tell from the outside. I think having these types of issues turns us into people pleasers. For me, it’s almost like I’m trying to make up for some thing so I go overboard in helping people and doing things for people. It kind of gives me purpose but it’s also draining. I’m also on Xanax, I have been on a very low-dose for 40 years. I take a low-dose beta blocker which helps me a lot because my heart races when I get anxious.

I am a people pleaser too. Or I use to be. I have gotten so tired of being taken advantage of because of wanting to please people that I have become angry and selfish somewhat. I still am kind to the ones that don’t take advantage of me but if you are taking advantage of me I won’t stay silent any longer.

That is one lesson I have learned, we don’t have to keep toxic people in our lives. I learned that lesson way too late in life!