Donald
What you have is not uncommon, many people have gone through similar situations and have had those symptoms of anxiety. I have had anxiety attacks since the 1970's when my mom died suddenly on a train ride travelling in Japan. The shock of it sent me into anxiety where I would awaken in a cold sweat, heart pounding and sheets wet from cold sweat. Over the years the anxiety has lessened so that I rarely have it at all. However, anxiety can come back from prolonged stressful situations, sort of like emotions hidden beneath the surface coming to the top like a volcano eruption. That is when you have this frightful feeling that something will happen to you and your heart and pulse starts speeding up and scares you even more. You actually feel as if you are having a heart attack with tingling in your arms. When I feel stressed and anticipate an anxiety attack, I take 2 capsules of an herb called VALERIAN which is a calmative and perfectly safe. It is the most popular herbal remedy in Germany and most of Europe. You can get it at any health food store and some super markets may have it. It takes about 45 minutes to take effect. Valerian always calms me down and is also great to take at bedtime for a restful sleep.The only drawback ia it had an odor that has been compared to "old socks." Also, when you feel anxious, go outside and sit in the sunlight, the outdoors with cars going by,people walking by will make you feel less isolated and less afraid. Several years ago, I awoke in morning with an anxiety attack so phoned 911 and called for an ambulance. I then took Valerian and went outside and sat in the sun facing the homes across the street and people walking by. By the time the fire dept. and ambulance came, I was all relaxed and reading the paper. When the paramedics and firemen asked me where the "patient" was, I said right here and they checked my pulse and said it's nearly normal and went away looking puzzled. You should try Valerian since it is not a drug with side effects such as the one the doctor prescribed. Hope this helps. p.s. Eating sugar will calm you down fast, anything with sugar will do while waiting for the Valerian to take effect. Also suggest you limit coffee drinking as it will give you anxiety attacks because of caffeine which speeds you up.