While it’s always fun to blog about clothes, and shoes, and jewelry and handbags, that’s not always necessarily real life. Trust me, I totally live and breathe all of that stuff — but I want to be honest and share something with y’all, and it has nothing to do with fashion or bargain shopping.
I recently realized that I’ve been suffering from anxiety. I’ve been having these horrible, debilitating panic attacks.
It often starts when I am about to leave for work in the morning. Apparently, there is something about traveling or transportation that makes me very nervous. Before long car trips, I am a nervous wreck. And it always creeps up on me when I have to travel by plane. I almost could not get on the plane for my own honeymoon.
When I get home at night, I am fine. On most weekends I am fine. There are some days where it doesn’t even bother me. But when it does, it’s absolutely crippling,
I’ve even started to talk to a professional about it. But I wanted to share it with y’all here in the hopes that maybe there are other people out there who are suffering from the same thing or something similar. Maybe this post will make you feel less alone.
Have you ever had a panic attack?
PS – over the weekend, I’ll share some of the things that have helped me manage my anxiety.
I can identify with this. My anxiety is awful and most of the time it isn't about anything rational. I have to step back and really think about if the situation warrents this response. It is so difficult. Sometimes I think my obsession with fashion and shopping is an escape from this anxiety. I hope you can find some relief for these attacks. I look forward to seeing your tips on how to handle it!
-Jill
allthechicthings.blogspot.com
I've suffered from panic attacks in the past (the last one I had was about a year and a half ago), but the anxiety has never really gone away. I feel similar symptoms that you described, only mine stem from stressing about being at work. I nearly always have an upset stomach at work or feel anxious because I'm so afraid I'm going to mess something up. I wish I knew how to stop it. For whatever reason, I often find that if I drink crazy amounts of water, I feel better. I know that's weird, but hey, whatever works.
Thank you for posting this, and for being so honest and candid. Extreme anxiety can be literally suffocating, and it's so refreshing to know that we're not alone in our struggles. I hope that you (and everyone who struggles with anxiety on a daily basis) can find some peace.
Molly – I am the same way with the water! I always carry a water bottle with me everywhere now. I've never been so hydrated in my life :/ … I guess it's better than downing something alcoholic!
I've been having them recently, since surgery. I have been getting them daily. It has struck when I'm alone, with friends/family and often when I'm in the car. I have been pretty much a lunatic for 2 months. Most of the time when its over I get so angry at myself for not being able to control myself or my emotions. It's like I feel like I'm on the edge of panic every second. I also think there may be some underlying depression. Thanks for sharing. It makes me feel not so alone in the battle with anxiety.
Yup – I used to have panic attacks in the past (my 20's) and after I divorced my husband, they went away. I had to take medicine for it, which I didn't like, so I beat it on my own and by speaking to a professional. Now that I am much older, I only get them when I go on vacation (ironic, isn't it?) same as you, right before I get on a plane.Once I am at my destination, I am fine. It's the stress and anxiety in the preparation leading up to travel that makes me anxious and exhausted. Which is why once I get to my destination, I could sleep the entire day.