In 2010 my life changed forever. I had stopped at a gas station on my way to work to grab an energy drink. I paid for my purchase, walked to my car, and the second I sat down it hit. My heart started racing, my brain went into this huge fog and I broke out in a cold sweat. Not to mention, I felt like I was dying. By the way, I still managed to get myself together and continue to work! Granted it was only for five minutes, but even so, I showed up. It was, in fact, the scariest day of my entire life.
Due to two more of these terrifying experiences, I decided it was time to find out what was going on. I called my doctor and was in her office almost immediately. Because it was my first visit in YEARS I was given a complete check-up. First, we went over the basic questions, then I detailed what had been happening. Due to my age and symptoms, I was sent home with a heart monitor. A week later I went back for my follow-up and learned that I have a generalized anxiety disorder as well as social anxiety.
Over these past 12 years, I have had some extremely dark days and some extremely great days. I have had days filled with attacks and days where I almost forgot I have anxiety. To say it has been a struggle is an understatement. Between the mood swings, insomnia, and the anxiety attacks that sometimes seem to come out of nowhere it’s been a battle, not only for me but for those around me.