Basically, all psychiatrists do is prescribe medication. At least that is my experience. A therapist helps with coping skills and strategies. I didn't think there was much G's new therapist could do for him, but she has really helped. He doesn't even seen to need his Zoloft anymore.

My husband suffers from severe anxiety. He has been to many psychiatrists, and has taken many different kinds of meds. He even went in for regular biofeedback trials for a period of time, where he fainted several times. In the end he told me, the meds helped him but made him feel horrible, he described, like a chemical hangover. He tells me, over time he just has learned to fight through the anxiety. He takes a lot of deep breaths and constantly gives himself pep talks. He has realized that in the long run, meds don’t really help him deal with his anxiety but just act as a bandaid. I myself have started to experience anxiety over the last couple of years, it’s pretty crazy. I calmed myself down by breathing, telling myself that what I’m feeling isn’t real, and then I just keep myself busy. Exercise really helps too, it helps to release tension.

Thanks so much for all the answers/suggestions. My daughter has been seeing a therapist for several years and she has provided techniques to help her recognize when "Mr Anxiety" is rearing his ugly head. They helped initially but then seemed to be less effective. Much the same for her with medication: initally Zoloft seemed to help but then not so much, fluoxitine seemed to help initially but then that also seemed to lose it's effectiveness. Perhaps her body just builds up tolerances to medications more easily that others. I would love it if she could get by with just the techniques her therapist has provided, but they don't seem to be enough on their own. @A MyAutismTeam Member we may talk to her current psychiatrist about Abilify and get his thoughts. Maybe we just need to look for a different medication......she was taking Zoloft when we initially starting seeing this psychiatrist and he eventually switched her over to flouoxitine. Since then his response has only been increasing her dosage, which we don't feel is helping. If he is reluctant to consider other medications then we will need to find another doctor.

So frustrating! Even more so for our daughter.....she is self-aware enough to say "I don't know why I'm getting stressed about X" but she truly doesn't know why she gets so anxious about things.

I am also going to work with her on getting more exercise.....even if it's just walking the treadmill everyday. It certainly won't hurt!

Thank you all! It helps to know we aren't in this alone!

Best regards,
Gordon

Anxiety sucks. Its come in different shapes and flavors over the years—stress and weak social support being the biggest triggers for me. Everyone manages differently, but cognitive behavioral therapy supports talking/reframing thoughts/coping strategies. Psychiatrists treat symptoms with medication.
It has been helpful for me to learn about how the brain works, having a go-to list of what to do when anxious in the moment, mindfulness, acupuncture, aromatherapy, diet, creating a strong self care routine. Even recognizing patterns in anxiety tied to PMS cycle. This has been a ton of research and exploration after having several anxiety attacks, debiltating migraines, etc.
A few books that have been brilliant that I highly recommend: “The Feeling Good Handbook” (blue cover) and “Stress-Proof Brain” and “The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook.”
Also apps like Breathe, Calm and Headspace. As well as ASMR videos (ASMR Maria Gentle Whispering is amazing)
I sure as heck have not cracked this and always a work in progress, but right now understanding what is happening in the brain from reading Stress Proof Brain has been a huge eye opener!
I hope you find all the support you need!