How can i get over the fear of death and anxiety?

Question

About 6 to 7 years ago, i had a really bad trip from some drug use. Since then i believe it was considered a near death experience with what i went through that day. The problem that i have is that i have been stuck in that day for the past 7 years and it SOO aggravating. When i first went to the doctor's and psychiatrist they prescribed me paxil cr and just regular check up therapy. Finally, 2 years ago i began a weight loss program that helped me lose 70 pounds and it made my anxiety go away all together, so much that i stopped the paxil cr cold turkey and had not felt anxious in that time. Suddenly, about 5 months...they LITERALLY came back out of no where and this time...EVEN MORE SEVERE!! I am constantly checking my blood pressure and blood sugar. I got all blood work done and i have an open MRI on Friday because i could not do the closed one..and about 3 weeks ago i was put back on paxil cr. That being said, it has caused me to realize that i have a HUGE fear of passing out and death. The problem that i face is...that when they say face your fear. Well that's hard for me. You see..if your scared of heights..you can face that...if your scared of insects, swimming...you can face that..but death...once you face it...well its over.. Please if there is anybody out there that can help me i would really appreciate it!! Thanks so much for reading that and God Bless.

Answer 1

Jay, the paxil will help you of course, but you need more than just a check on the medicine therapy.  Here we use a therapy called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to treat severe anxiety disorders and depression.  It includes becoming educated about your disorder and what causes it and ways that you can address the symptoms in addition to using medication.  

Please understand, the medication is good, but it is not a cure, as you found out.  One way you could help yourself is to order a book called The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook.  It will step you through what is happening with your body and also how your can help yourself to be better.  It is written by a Dr. Edmund Bourne and is available online at Amazon.com.  Good luck to you.