Back when my panic attacks were at their peak, they'd often hit after the kids and husband were asleep. In the quiet darkness, my mind would reel with ominous thoughts.
My body reacted with terrifying symptoms. I'd force myself to calm my breathing and watch the clock, calculating the hours until dawn.
When the sun would rise at last, I'd know I made it
through another night.
I have a partial draft—a work in progress—titled Seven Hours 'Till Dawn, which, despite the encouragement from a mental health care professional to complete it, I had to stop when each time I dredged up the memories, I spiraled.
But I hope that someday I'll be able to share my story. Perhaps doing so will inspire someone going through it to recognize they are not alone. The
condition is not their fault; they're not losing their mind.
While panic might never go away entirely, there are ways to navigate unreasonable thoughts and fear.
You can enjoy a happy and productive life without allowing panic to control you.
PS: Please be kind to people. Despite the smile they wear in daylight, you don't know their silent battles in darkness!
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