Self medicating whether it be through food, sex, alcohol, sex, etc. is something that WORKS or people would not do it period. The exhaustion in dealing with prolonged anxiet It Unly/ panic is beyond what the human body and brain of " normal" people can comorehend. I try to wear mysrlf down more quickly by doing things with my animals especially my horses that requires I be mindful and present in the moment, diverting myself from nasty selftalj, and circular thinking. That being said, there are definitely times when NOTHING I do will take me away from the panic. You shouldn't feel badly about medicating to get relief, but you do.... so my best idea would be to get a new doctor, and perhaps attend some groups to see the other people in your situation, some of whom undoubtedly which will be worse, and get some real world, real life coping skills that work. I also get resentful of advice that comes from text books, or from someone who has zero experience with this.
