I have had them for years but have done a fairly good job at controlling them somewhat, or at least fighting through them, without medication.
One of the things that helps, aside from reminding myself to breathe slowly and calmly, is taking some quiet time, without distractions, to try and work back to the root cause / causes. Oftentimes when I work my way back, I realize that the issues that started it are not as tragic and overwhelming as my mind has allowed them to become. Then I mentally talk myself through them.
If yours are affecting your life and family then you should at least try the medication until you feel a bit stronger. I have considered it myself, but recently mine have been improving so I am holding off for now.
Good luck to you, I really do feel your pain.