Hey
@Charron: Sounds like you are in classic extreme anxiety/panic mode. Happened to me when I got tinnitus. I believe someone on here asked if you have had anxiety issues before or if it is a new condition triggered by tinnitus: it can happen either way. Although I have to say that while I never had rolling panic attacks before T, I now believe I probably had anxiety issues that I had stuffed away for decades and never dealt with.
Regardless of how it happened, I feel for you. Anxiety and panic are the most miserable experiences imaginable, and so very physical, you feel like you can barely function. It's the only time in my life I ever seriously wondered if I could go on living. But I got through it and today, I live life as I always have. I have learned to recognize my early anxiety symptoms and treat them through meditation, relaxation exercises, etc. No drugs. As
@Joan A., suggested I would look into cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Was a lifesaver for me, too, and taught me coping skills I continue to use today.
But, although others here may not agree: I do think when you are in high panic mode in the beginning, medication can be a good idea. When you have anxiety, your house is on fire. You need to put out the fire first, then start dealing with the long-term reality. A fast acting benzodiazepene, like Xanax (alprazolam), usually is the drug of choice. Yes, it can be addicting. But it also can be used safely -- if managed through a competent physician, preferably a psychiatrist. Many people here at TT have used benzos successfully, including me.
I wrote a fair amount about anxiety when I first was on board here, so I won't bore others by repeating myself. Here's one:
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/hard-day.5247/#post-52656
If you search around, you'll find others.
Now is the time to be proactive and get as much help as you need to get you through this difficult time. Hang in there. It DOES get better. I am proof.