Introduction: My Panic Story So Far

Let's just jump right in. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness. Let that sink in. Marinate in it. That stat blew my mind. Nearly 20 percent of all Americans deal with them, and they suck (that is my nonprofessional opinion). But get this! They are highly treatable, yet only about a third of people who suffer receive any treatment. It was only through mortal distress that I sought help. If things had never escalated to a point where I feared for my physical well being then I’d still be suffering to this day.

“Panic was a bitch until I made it my bitch.” 

That phrase was going to be the main theme of this project, but I think it’s important that we remember that recovery—or lack thereof—is a rollercoaster. Even while writing my own story of overcoming anxiety, I felt anxiety. Some days I feel like a pile of goo that anxiety has chewed up and spat on the floor. Its symptoms are an army of the undead that rise again and again after even the greatest conquest. But we go on living. Some days we are a pile of goo, and that’s okay.

I hope to accomplish three things from this blog:

1. Tell a chronological story of how anxiety came about in my life.

2. Share in common experiences with others suffering from anxiety and panic.

3. Teach the techniques that worked for me to overcome panic attacks.

If even a single person stumbles on this site and finds some peace, I’ll be content.