I’m newly dealing with physical symptoms of anxiety and not sure where the future leads. Every day I feel like I’m suffocating, physically feels like I’m unable to breath. Doesn’t matter what I’m doing, work or fun, it’s always there. This has been going on for about a year now and aligns with a severely traumatic event last year which may have triggered it. 

I feel I’ve always had less severe symptoms of anxiety that I’ve always dealt with reasonably ok. But this breathing issue is making it difficult to just live my life, I can hardly make it through a work day as I’m practically hyperventilating in every meeting. 

My PCP prescribed me lorazepam about 2 weeks ago and told me to take it as needed. I’ve read that it’s extremely addicting so I’ve been trying to take it only every 2-3 days, but it doesn’t change the fact that my symptoms are daily. 

I’ve also read that lorazepam (ativan) is not intended to be a long term drug. My PCP is apprehensive to prescribe me any more and I understand why, but it makes me nervous how I’m going to deal with this problem long term if it hasn’t gone away on its own after a year. 

I’ve set up an appointment with a psychiatrist for the first time in my life but they can’t see me for 3 months. Just looking for advice or similar experiences right now. Thanks all.