Everyone deals with stress. A big test, first day at a new school, a crowded party... We all get a case of butterflies in the stomach. Stress can give you a burst of adrenaline when you need it-- we all know this as the "fight or flight" condition of alertness. But too much anxiety can really interfere with your life. I learned this the hard way.
Stress that never seems to go away is a definite problem. Wanting to do your best is fine, but in our competitive society, we tend to forget that no one is perfect! Keeping your feelings bottled up and letting your worries run rampant through your brain is very damaging to your overall health. Personally, I worry about stuff that really isn't important. Sometimes, I'll make myself physically ill doing so... headaches, nausea, chattering teeth, etc. Maybe you feel exhausted all the time, even after a solid amount of sleep. Maybe you're eating more, or eating less. Severe anxiety needs to be treated by a qualified physician. Untreated stress can cause a variety of physical and mental ailments. I have found that therapy is very beneficial in controlling anxiety problems. The best combo, in my opinion, is therapy plus medications. If any of my previous statements sound familiar, please contact your doctor. Anxiety IS treatable; life is so much more fun when you're not constantly worrying.
Now, for my thoughts on panic attacks. I can now speak on this subject because I have experienced one. One afternoon in late June, I was rushed to ER. My pulse was racing. I was experiencing pain and numbness in my left arm and chest. I was sweating profusely. I was so dizzy that I could barely walk. I honestly thought I was having a heart attack and was dying. I was put on a stretcher, and the neighbor I called to take me to ER stayed by my side. He is a minister, and I begged him to give me my last rites. At the time, I really thought I was going to die. I got a euphoric and almost peaceful feeling after a while. I asked for a pen and paper and jotted down my goodbyes to friends and family. The nurses made me eat a small meal and told me to lay down and get some rest. Later, I was strapped down and taken over to the inpatient ward at our local mental health facility in an ambulance. I found out after I recovered a little more that I experienced a major panic attack. Panic attacks are anxiety pent up until it explodes. I've never been so scared or felt so horrible as I did that afternoon. Please make sure you see a doctor if you ever feel anxiety building up in your system. That experience is something I would not wish on anyone. I thank God that He was with me through that awful day. Be safe, everyone.
When The Cut Goes In Deep originally posted on 03-05-2000 and
reposted after remodeling on 06-22-2000.
Ronnie 2000-2004 ©
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