I have anxiety. It started in my 20's and the first time I experienced a panic attack, I rushed to the emergency room because I had no idea what it was. I thought I was having a heart attack.
The weird part of it was I wasn't in a stressful situation when it happened. I was watching a movie with friends. Anxiety is something that is scary, not just to the person experiencing it but for the people around you.I remember the first time I experienced a panic attack in front of my husband. It's one of the reasons I fell in love with him. He looked so scared but yet stayed calm and talked me through it. He didn't dismiss it or make me feel crazy. I can't tell you how many times I've had friends or family members say "you just need to relax" or "what is making you so upset?" My answers are: I can't "just relax" and "there is nothing making me upset".
It's so hard to explain to someone who has never experienced anxiety or panic attacks what it feels like and why it happens. I don't know what my "triggers" are or when I'm most likely to experience it. I just know when it happens it is very scary and it is very very real. It's not "just in my head". I have physical symptoms- heart palpitations, shaking, the inability to breathe….it's like someone is standing on my chest and I can't catch your breath.
This letter written by someone like me was really moving. A friend of mine posted it on facebook with a comment about her anxiety and it really hit home for me too. Here is a great article that also explains anxiety.
I hope you will read both whether or not you suffer from anxiety or depression or know someone who does. They put into words what so many people feel, sometimes on a daily basis, but cannot explain.
