I need help , Severe Panic Disorder , Cardiophobia and general anxiety
Started having severe panic attacks and cardiophobia in 2020 out of nowhere. At one point I became almost housebound and couldn’t even go far from my house without panicking. I was prescribed SSRIs multiple times but never took them because I was terrified of the side effects and horror stories online.
Eventually I improved a lot with time and propranolol as needed. I managed to finish my studies abroad, get married, have a kid, and from 2022 until recently my panic attacks became rare and manageable.
But 3 weeks ago I suddenly relapsed after dizziness, palpitations, and a panic attack at work. Since then I’ve been stuck in constant anxiety and cardiophobia again. I can barely stay outside my house for long, I’ve taken emergency leave from work, and I’m terrified of fainting or my heart stopping even though tests are clear.
A psychiatrist just prescribed Sertraline (Zoloft) and propranolol, but I’m honestly terrified SSRIs will just make me worse and not help. I’m barely sleeping or eating and I’m scared of losing my job and not being able to provide for my family.
Did anyone here go through something similar and actually recover with SSRIs or treatment? I really need advice right now.
im currently on bisoprolol 1.25 to control my heart , i got BAV , i’ve had untreated Hypercholesterolemia for the past 3 years because im scared of medication , and Vitamin d deficency .
HELP ME!