Sheer Panic

Friday, September 6: A story about a time you were very afraid.

There has to be a time in your life you can think about when your heart is racing,

 your body is shaking, and your mind is going “what is happening right now?”

Imagine this. It is a beautiful and sunny day outside; the lake water is just crystal glass, and all your friends’ laughter just in the background. Not a single care in the world, then it hits. The shiver and shake of the body, mind rushing thoughts, heart racing and pounding so hard I think it may jump out of my skin. Sheer panic. Slight movement of the wake surf, sending me straight at the swim platform; head first I ascend into the water. When I come up from the water, my body is shaking profusely, and I can’t control my breath for anything. Kati rushes to the back deck, taking my hands and just looking at me. Starting to mimic her breathing, I calm myself down. For that single moment, I had no idea what overtook my body. Something that has happened time and time again just sent me into an awful panic attack. It honestly took me hours to get back to normal, and my heart still races to this day thinking about it.

 

 

I started having really bad panic attacks, about a year ago. Before this happened, I had only had 2 major attacks. They scare me so much though, something so unfamiliar that just completely takes over your body. Learning to cope and understand my body has been a difficult challenge, but it is something I really take seriously. I am so grateful for the amazing family and friends I have in my life, who at any time, will stop and help me out in a time of need. That is what friendship and bonds are all about.