Anxiety sufferers of AskUK - what are your tried and tested ways of dealing with it?

I believe that each situation requires a unique approach, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. In my personal experience, I began my journey with the use of Prozac and Xanax for a period of six months. Subsequently, I gradually weaned myself off these medications, but I believe these drugs were particularly beneficial in the initial stages, notably in managing my panic attacks. I also underwent ten hours of professional therapy to gain insights into what was happening within me, as I had always considered myself mentally healthy until my 40s. Therapy played a crucial role in helping me comprehend the workings of my mind and how my body reacted to external and internal stimuli. It also taught me to recognize the early signs of anxiety or panic attacks, giving me ample time to respond and prevent their onset. Therapy also helped me accept that what I was experiencing was not life-threatening but rather a disconnect between my body and mind. As others have mentioned, quitting smoking and reducing my coffee intake were also beneficial. I still occasionally consume alcohol, like a dram of scotch or a beer. Later, my GP prescribed Propranolol, which was intriguing because it's primarily used to lower blood pressure and maintain a steady heart rhythm. However, it was found to have a side effect of helping with anxiety disorders. I take 1 or 2 pills of 100mg a day, and I haven't experienced an anxiety attack in the past six years, although I came close a couple of times but successfully averted them. Today, I consider Propranolol my daily savior, as it quickly halts my spiraling thoughts, and the morning dose prepares me for the stressful day ahead. I must also mention that, after extensive research, I found that vaping cannabis was helpful, especially after discontinuing Prozac and Xanax. I vaped specific strains designed for relaxation and sleep, and only five minutes before bedtime. This helped me sleep without the need for pills and allowed my brain to heal naturally, as I experienced dreamless, refreshing sleep under the influence. I used cannabis for nearly two years, around 2-3 times a week before sleep, until I felt confident enough to discontinue it, which I have now done for the last four years. Engaging incomputer gaming and photography has been a source of ongoing support, since it gave me some sort of purpose and focus. Unfortunately, due to my anxiety disorder, I lost my creative touch and no longer find pleasure in playing the guitar, an activity I once enjoyed. Activities such as walking, trekking, camping, and connecting with nature are essential for me. On a scale of 1 to 20, with 10 representing the initial level of an anxiety attack, I now live my life between a 6 and an 8, occasionally experiencing quick spikes to 9 or briefly touching 10. I've learned to respect and, most importantly, live with this condition by effectively managing it.