Anxiety
Let’s talk about anxiety. I have suffered with it my entire life, for different reasons. This particular day we were taking a family train ride. It was cold and raining, the train was crowded and stuffy. My heart was pounding, I was sweating, shaking…I didn’t want my son to see me like that and ruin the trip for him. That day I was able to pull myself together, but there were plenty of days when I couldn’t.
In 2011 I was let go from my dance career after 20 years. When I woke up the next morning and didn’t have to go to work, I felt like I was released from prison. I made some new friends, joined a gym, went back to blonde, (yes we have more fun), and pulled myself together. I thought I was through the worst of it but my body had other ideas.
Fast forward to 2013, our first trip to Disney. The boys were so excited. I was terrified my stomach would ruin our trip. I was under 80 lbs and living on protein shakes. Dr. Gingold (see article on IBS) put me on a medication to help raise my serotonin levels so I could eat solid food and enjoy the trip. I was nervous about taking a maintenance drug, but I couldn’t disappoint my family. I am glad I trusted him and took the medication. It truly was the happiest place on earth. I enjoyed every minute of vacation AND I ate like a champ!
Can you identify the symptoms of a panic attack? Hint: its not as easy as it sounds. Do you feel “off” or unable to function in certain situations? Do you have physical symptoms that appear unexpectedly? Yeah, I did too. Email me and we can share war stories!
