The room feels like it’s closing in on me. My chest tightens, and I struggle to catch my breath. My throat is dry, my hands are clammy, and my legs feel like jelly. I need to find a way out. Where’s the nearest exit? What if I faint? What if I lose consciousness? I can’t breathe—it’s the classic fight or flight response, and I’m desperately searching for an escape route.
This intense experience is what panic attacks felt like for me. It was as if the world around me was collapsing, leaving me feeling utterly powerless as if a heavy weight was pressing down on my chest.
After enduring countless panic attacks and grappling with debilitating anxiety in my early 20s, I reached a breaking point and sought help. My relationships were suffering, my career was at risk, and most importantly, my well-being was in jeopardy.
I often questioned why I was facing this struggle. My life appeared stable: I had a secure job, a loving partner (now my husband), and a supportive family. Yet, I found myself in tears during my first therapy session, overwhelmed with fear about my situation and the path my anxiety was taking me down. I confessed to my therapist that I was avoiding anything that might trigger my anxiety.
That’s when she asked me a simple yet profound question: “What’s the worst that can happen?”
Those six words were a game changer. They shifted my perspective on my anxiety. I realized that I was afraid of so many things—like being trapped in a packed mall, needing to leave a work meeting abruptly, or driving on the freeway and feeling the urge to pull over. Life felt like an intricate maze, and I was completely lost.
Through several therapy sessions and after starting a low dose of anti-anxiety medication, I began to learn coping strategies. Now, while I don’t always feel entirely in control, I have a better handle on my mental health. Yes, I still experience minor panic attacks and bouts of anxiety, but I’ve learned to navigate those feelings.
Today, I’m a mother to an adorable little girl who is blissfully unaware of mental health challenges. One day, I hope to teach her that it’s perfectly okay to feel overwhelmed. I want her to understand that she is stronger than any mental health issue that might arise.
If you find yourself in a similar place of confusion and despair, please know you’re not alone. Perhaps you’re a mother who feels the immense pressure of daily life. Remember, you are a warrior. You’re strong, and even the most resilient individuals can feel the strain of mental illness. As a new mom, I often feel anxiety creeping in with the responsibilities of parenting. However, I refuse to let it defeat me. Mental illness is real and challenging, but I will not let it take control—not today.
For those exploring the journey of parenthood, consider resources like Cryobaby’s at-home insemination kit or BabyMaker’s home insemination kit for guidance. And for further information on pregnancy, visit Healthline’s excellent resource.
In summary, understanding and accepting anxiety can be a transformative journey. By confronting our fears and seeking help, we can reclaim control over our lives and well-being.
Keyphrase: coping with anxiety
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