“When anxiety gets hold, look for gratitude” 

I’m been living by this quote I saw early this year about managing anxiety and to be completely honest, it works sometimes but on other days it doesn’t quite have an effect. 

I’m diagnosed with GAD more than a decade ago and in my earliest memories, I was always an anxious kid growing up with a lot of anxiety and fear and confidence was something I really struggled with. 

I took myself off meds for more than 5 years now and anxiety levels has been a relatively controlled until a year ago when Covid situation probably triggered a series of panic attacks. I am a runner and running has been the way I cope with anxiety for years. The release of serotonin and dopamine really helps to cope with the stresses of living. I found the joy of running and I intend to carry on this running journey. 

It was only until one incident where I didn’t fuel myself properly (almost fainted) that I landed myself in the ER but after a series of test, I am okay and I know very well I am physically healthy. This episode probably triggered a mild PTSD/fear in me that every time I have an empty stomach sensation, I get light-headed and my body goes into a  slight panic. I usually have to quickly put some food into the stomach and I’ll feel better. 

This hypersensitivity and awareness has caused quite a bit of disruption to my daily life. I get a lot of muscle tension and some lightheadedness and general anxiety symptoms almost everyday but this evening, I had a full on panic attack that I experienced pounding heart, tingling feelings on my hands and arms and major stomach discomfort. I haven’t had a panic attack like that for years and it hit me so unexpectedly. 

I am calmer now and I’m on bed trying to get to sleep but I just wanted to share a bit of my story that may or may not resonate with you. 

Would love to share more about my story and would love to hear some too! 

I’m thankful for all your sharing! 

Be present and be well.