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.
Learn more about how to help a child or teen.
Return to Stories of Hope.
