It's tough to be struggling with anxiety. And, unfortunately, you've got lots of company. Anxiety disorders are increasingly common in our society, and they can interfere dramatically with someone's ability to function in the world. Because there are several different types of disorders and I am unsure of your particular situation, I will need to respond generally to your question.

Right now, no exact cause (or "cure") for anxiety has been pinpointed, so treatment usually involves a combination of approaches. Ideally, this includes medication, such as antidepressants and anxiolytics (anti-anxiety drugs), along with individual and/or group psychotherapy. While medication can certainly be helpful, it does not provide you with the skills needed to change the way you experience the world. So, it's important to consider behavioral and cognitive therapies as well, both of which have been found to be highly effective for anxiety disorders. Behavioral therapy teaches specific ways you can reduce or eliminate unwanted anxiety-related behaviors — for example, using relaxation and breathing techniques to overcome the agitation and hyperventilation that accompany certain disorders. Cognitive therapy helps people understand and manage how their thoughts can contribute to their anxious feelings.

As you move forward with your treatment, I would encourage you to look for a qualified mental-health practitioner who is knowledgeable about cognitive-behavioral therapy and treatments for your particular disorder. I would also recommend that you see a psychiatrist to help you manage your medications, if you are not already doing so. Psychiatrists are more likely to be familiar with the complexities of treating anxiety issues than are internists or general practitioners. Whomever you work with, discuss whether you should try a different medication if you think the one you are currently taking isn't working for you. Finally, learning as much as possible about your disorder will help you find the most effective treatment team and choose the best therapeutic approach for you. Good luck!