Q. What can I do to manage anxiety attacks?

Hi doctor,

I get a type of anxiety and fear of going out somewhere. Six years ago, when I was in high school some guy gave me something to smoke. I did not know what it was. That day, I went home and I was high. The next morning I woke up fine and went to school. After some time, I started to feel like as if I need to smoke again. I started panicking and was sweating. I did not know what was going on with me. I felt so horrible though I was going crazy. I went to the emergency room and they gave me medicine. Also, I had some therapy and to be honest, I do not remember how it went away. Since then, I never felt that again. I do not know whether it is something that got stuck in my head. But, my life went on and I was good. Before three years, I went for vacation and I met my husband. I stayed over there for about eight months. I am married and I am 23 years old. We had so many problems. Our main thing was jealous. We used to fight for even little things. Two months ago, when I was at work, I started getting a panic attack like the one which I had almost six years ago. I think I got it because of all the problems I have in my marriage and my profession. I left for the hospital and I started crying. It has been such a horrible experience in my life ever since.

I just wanted to be at home since I knew I was not fine. Twice my fight with him ended up in the hospital. He started to get anxiety. I will cry and could not control myself so he had to get away from me. He left me and I went into depression. I was sad for the fact he left me and also because I just did not want to go out my house. It has been such a hard issue dealing with this. I have been taking medication. First, they gave me Lorazepam. I took it for a month or two, but it was bad and addicted. So, my doctor prescribed me Alprazolam. I have almost been taking it for six months. Sometimes, I take two to keep myself calm. I could not stop taking it and so I want your help. I want to be myself again. I want to know what can I do to slowly get rid of all this anxiety and depression. My husband has come back and living with me. It was so hard without him. I did not get anymore attacks. I just feel down for the reason I cannot go out because I am afraid to get anxiety attack or I just feel weird being out in the street like I do not belong. It is so hard to explain. I am here at home and I entertain myself on the internet. Please help me.