What's The Worst That Could Happen?
By Breanna

My name is Breanna, and I'm 15 years old. I am celebrating my second year without panic attacks. It all started when I was 8 years old, but got really serious when I was 12. When I would get these panic attacks, I would get really shaky and sweaty. I would hyperventilate and feel like I was getting smothered to death, like my lungs had closed up. My chest area would also hurt, and I wouldn't be able to stand. I felt as if I were dying.

I was always afraid to go away from home, in fear that I was going to have another panic attack. It was embarrassing. I couldn't do stuff with my friends like a normal teenager could do. My social life suffered. I was labeled as an outcast, as anti-social. My life was not fun at all, and there were even times when I I would think about suicide.

My mother found out about this, and took me to see a psychologist. The psychologist helped me get through this one week at a time for about three months. I am so grateful for her. Every time I would share something with her, she would always say, "What's the worst that could happen?" and I would say this to myself, and it helped a lot. Ever since, I haven't had a panic attack.

My life has improved greatly. I can travel again and do things that a normal teenager can do. My family has seen a difference, too. Now I can go to all of my relatives' houses without worrying about when another panic attack will come on. My advice to people who are having this is that they should seek help from a psychologist, or a doctor who can help you. You can get through this, I know. I'm a survivor.

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