Dear JessicaJaneDunn_~
Welcom to the Forum which is a place you will find may who have had to deal with anxiety, I'm one of them. You are right, anxiety is a real negative influence on life and stops one from doing lots of things other people seem to have no trouble with. While still under treatment I'm back living a pretty good life.
I can't answer about medication as everyone is different. It's a professional's call. I've needed meds on a continuing basis, I've known others that have not.
Things - apart from meds -that do help are therapy with a psychologist or psychiatrist and lifestyle. I'd suggest seeing your doctor in a long appointment and talking things over.
In The Facts menu above you will find a lot of information about anxiety, both its symptoms and treatments, there are a lot - many people find them very successful. Leading a life that tries to avoid things that stress is important, with exercise, nutrition and good sleep. Doing things you enjoy too is essential for relaxation and distraction.
If you have a look at
Forums
/
Anxiety /
SELF HELP TIPS FOR MANAGING ANXIETY
You will find lots of things that people have found helped a lot.
While you have said anxiety is affecting your life you have not really said much else. That means any advice we try to give will be only very general (as you can see above). Would you like to come back and say a little more about yourself and your life? This is a friendly understanding place and nothing you say can get back to anyone else.
Croix
