Anxiety Has Controlled Me Too Long
I have been suffering with anxiety and panic attacks for 13 years. I am 22 and in my last year as college and graduating with 2 degrees. I cannot leave my hometown, drive at night, in the rain, fog, on the highway, or long distances. I have trouble being in a car that is new, being on the highway, at night, or crossing a bridge. I have lost several friends because I could not make the things they wanted me to come to or they found trying to deal with my issues was too stressful for them. I have tried medicine and counseling, but they do not seem to work too well. I gave up so much of my life hiding who I was and missed so many opportunities. I was offered several scholarships for college, but I could not take them. I missed once in a life time trips and tournaments because I let this control my life. The past 4 years I have told my story to anyone interested and tried to help anyone in need especially those suffering from panic attacks. I have not met anyone like me who has at least a panic attack a day, but even someone who has only had one in their life deserves support. I hope someday people realize those with a mental illness do not choose it, they do not give into and it isn’t just a thought that is easily changed. It is an illness that needs support. I hope someday I will be able to travel leave this city or state or even continent. To chase my real dreams or to help someone else be able to grow past their illness.