May I ask: was the first recommendation SSRIs? Because if so it's disappointing that your doctor leapt directly to medication.
NICE guidance (in England) for anxiety disorders recommend psychological therapy as a first intervention. Cognitive behaviour therapy has most evidence and that's easiest to get (in England). People can self refer to local NHS CBT treatment (which is free), or they can be refered by their doctor; or they can go to private therapists. (BACP accreditation is reputable. Sessions cost between £30 - £50 each. Guidelines suggest between 8 to 14 sessions).
It's great that you found something that helped! Anxiety sounds to many people like something not so bad, but it can be really disruptive of someone's life.
Medication was not my doctor’s first recommendation. They pointed out that medication and therapy together tend to be more effective than either alone, and suggested that if I wanted to take medication, then SSRIs would be a suitable prescription for my symptoms. These I declined after doing thorough research and concluding that I would be better served by psychedelics. And, happily, in fact I was.
NICE guidance (in England) for anxiety disorders recommend psychological therapy as a first intervention. Cognitive behaviour therapy has most evidence and that's easiest to get (in England). People can self refer to local NHS CBT treatment (which is free), or they can be refered by their doctor; or they can go to private therapists. (BACP accreditation is reputable. Sessions cost between £30 - £50 each. Guidelines suggest between 8 to 14 sessions).
It's great that you found something that helped! Anxiety sounds to many people like something not so bad, but it can be really disruptive of someone's life.