I don’t have any additional advice to offer. There are lots of good comments already for that. But I did want to share that I also was afraid of taking meds for a long time because I’d heard horror stories (mostly on TV/in movies) of the meds making you almost catatonic, and that wasn’t how I wanted to live my life. However, I’ve been taking anti-anxiety meds for over 10 years now, and I can confidently say that they are a huge help. I’ve changed doses several times, including recently adding an “as needed” med for times I know my stress/anxiety levels will rise. I recommend working with your doctor to figure out the best med/med combo for you, but for me personally, I’ve found a lot of success with Sertraline (generic Zoloft), although it does take about a month for dose changes to take effect, and Buspirone (generic Buspar) for my “as needed” extra.

Also, know that you are not alone, from one internet stranger to another.

I’m a big fan of Captain Hook as the human scale for the crocodile one. 😂

I love that the basket matches her coloring. 🥰

I love cats with sad eyes. 🥰🥰🥰

I absolutely love those eyes! Even though they’re clearly looking down on me with disdain. 🥰

Adding half a bag of butterscotch chips sprinkled on the top of box brownie mix. I get tons of compliments like it’s the best thing in the world (and it is arguably much better than without the butterscotch).

I don’t think cats realize how hilarious they are when they use their grumpy faces. ❤️

Clearly that is their sofa, not yours. 😜

Speaking as a ferret owner who every now and then tries to get them into a sweater or hat, I can 1000% agree with this statement.

Such a cute little lady!

Such a dapper gentleman!

Those eyes! She’s adorable!

Leave the marshmallows to the end when I eat Lucky Charms… And still eating kid’s cereal for breakfast.

Such a cute, judgemental gal! 🥰

Those eyes! How can you ever deny her anything?! 🥰

But she’s looking so regal while she does… So, I deem it appropriate behavior. 😜

I started with 2, but ended up rehoming 2 more. It worked out well for us since my first two were very different personality-wise and now the one that is always up has 3 siblings to play with instead of just one quite lazy one. 😆

I was extremely lucky to get them all in one picture that isn’t blurry. However, I don’t know what they’re all looking at, so I assume my house is haunted. 😆

It definitely helps telling them apart that they’re all different colors. 😆

As long as I clean their cage and vacuum regularly, they aren’t any smellier than any other pet.