My Journey With Anxiety

My journey with anxiety has been a tough one. Before now, I didn't really know how to talk about living with anxiety. I found it easier talking about my other health issues than explaining to people that my mind works overtime—It took landing in the ER a couple of times before I could really bare myself. I was in high school the first time I noticed the signs. I was waiting for my debate partner to deliver her final words, so I could walk up to the podium and blow their minds—I stayed up all night preparing. As I waited for my co-debator, I began to sweat excessively. I could feel my heart pounding aggressively and I couldn't breathe probably. I felt the world was closing in on me. It was finally my turn to speak and I couldn't control my body, so I ran out of the hall. Everyone chalked it up as stage fright, I knew better. As I grew older, it became worse. Days leading to my test results were nerve wrecking for me. Important life decisions almost ran me mad. This went on for years, and even became worse. Some attacks sent me to the ER for urgent medical attention. I knew I couldn't continue living that way, always on the edge, so I finally sought help. That single decision changed my life. I learnt to recognize the signs, I started taking medications, I learnt the triggers and how to prevent it. I won't say I don't feel the symptoms anymore—but It definitely isn't as severe as it was.