The feeling is suffocating. My heart races, my chest tightens, and I can feel the sweat beading on my palms. My legs tremble, and all I want to do is flee. Where’s the exit? How can I escape this overwhelming sensation? What if I collapse? What if I lose consciousness? I can’t catch my breath. It’s the classic fight-or-flight response, and I’m desperate for an escape route.
This is what panic attacks felt like for me—an overwhelming sense of impending doom, a world crumbling beneath my feet, and a crushing weight on my chest that rendered me powerless.
After enduring countless panic attacks and battling severe anxiety in my early twenties, I realized it was time to seek help. My relationships were deteriorating, my career felt uncertain, and, most importantly, my well-being was at stake.
I often found myself questioning why I was experiencing this turmoil. I had no significant stressors in my life; my job was stable, my partner was supportive, and I was surrounded by a loving family. Yet, the tears flowed freely during my first therapy session as I expressed my fears about my anxiety and its grip on my life. I admitted to my therapist that I was avoiding situations that triggered my anxiety.
Then she asked me a pivotal question: “What’s the worst that can happen?”
Those six words shifted my entire perspective on anxiety. What exactly was I afraid of? At that time, the answer was nearly everything. I feared being trapped in a crowded space with no way out, having to excuse myself from a meeting, or driving on the freeway while feeling an overwhelming urge to stop. Life felt like an intricate maze, and I was utterly lost.
Through several sessions with my therapist and the decision to start a low dose of anti-anxiety medication, I began to arm myself with coping strategies. Today, I no longer live in fear of my mental health. Am I in control all the time? Absolutely not. Do I still encounter moments of anxiety? Yes, without a doubt.
Now, I’m a mother to a precious little girl who hasn’t yet grasped the concept of mental health. One day, I’ll reassure her that feeling out of control is perfectly normal, and I hope she understands that she possesses an incredible strength that can overcome any mental health challenges.
If you find yourself in a similar situation, remember that you are not alone. Perhaps you’re a mom feeling the overwhelming pressure that accompanies parenting. Know that you are a warrior. You are a fighter. Even the strongest individuals struggle with mental health issues. As a new mom, I can feel my anxiety surfacing with the responsibilities of motherhood. Yet, I refuse to be afraid of what lies ahead. Mental illness is real and can be brutal, but it will not defeat me—not today.
For more insights on navigating these challenges, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination here or discover more about self-care strategies at this link. You can also explore comprehensive options at Make a Mom.
In summary, facing anxiety can feel daunting, but seeking help and adopting new perspectives can transform your experience. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and there are resources available to support you along the way.