In the midst of an anxiety episode, I often felt as if the walls were closing in on me. My breath would quicken, my throat would tighten, and my body would tremble. The overwhelming urge to escape would surge through me—where’s the exit? What if I faint? What if I lose control? These moments defined my experiences with panic attacks. They left me feeling suffocated, powerless, and utterly overwhelmed.
After enduring numerous panic attacks and grappling with relentless anxiety throughout my early 20s, I sought professional help. My relationships were suffering, my career was at risk, and most critically, my well-being was in jeopardy.
I often pondered why this was happening to me. I had no significant stressors; my job was stable, my partner was supportive, and my family was loving. Yet, I found myself in a therapist’s office, sobbing out of fear and confusion. I confessed my tendency to avoid situations that could trigger my anxiety. My therapist offered me a simple yet profound question: “What’s the worst that can happen?”
This question—just six words—shifted my entire outlook on my anxiety. I realized that my fears were often exaggerated. What was I truly afraid of? In that moment, I recognized my apprehension stemmed from countless scenarios: being trapped in a crowded space, abruptly needing to leave a meeting, or driving and feeling the urge to stop. Life felt like an intricate labyrinth, and I was disoriented.
Through several therapy sessions and the decision to try a low dose of anti-anxiety medication, I began to equip myself with coping strategies. While I don’t feel in control all the time, I have learned to manage my mental health more effectively. Yes, I still experience minor panic attacks and anxiety, but I approach them differently now.
Now, as a mother to a delightful little girl, I aim to teach her that feeling out of control is perfectly okay. I want her to understand that she possesses the strength to face any mental health challenges that may arise.
If you find yourself in a similar position of feeling lost, know that you are not alone. Perhaps you are a parent bearing the weight of daily pressures. Remember, you are resilient. Even the strongest among us struggle with mental health issues. As a new mother, I feel the anxiety creeping back in under the pressures of parenting, yet I refuse to let it dominate my life. Mental illness is indeed daunting, but I will not allow it to win. Not today.
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In summary, my journey with anxiety has been transformative, driven by a few pivotal words and a commitment to understanding my mental health. I encourage others to seek help and explore their feelings, knowing that they are not alone in their struggles.