I used to toe the starting line on the track before the 5000 meter race and yawn. It was my body’s way of trying to calm down. I was overrun with fear at the beginning of every college race I ran my freshman and sophomore year until I started to see a sports psychologist. She…
Public Restroom Flashback
I can’t tell you why, but lately I’ve been having some pretty intense anxiety in public restrooms. Which I visit a lot because I always have to pee and because if I don’t have to, one of my two children does and I have to accompany them. I keep telling myself I’m making up stories…
Glasses
A picture Staring into my father’s eyes Confusion erupts Eyes swell Stomach turns I can’t really see you through those glasses The enormity Of polarity Is both simply & Complexly Overwhelming.
Street Lights
Abrupt massive HALT. Error in my headspace. Took a turn, wrong turn, into oncoming traffic. There was panic but now I’m dead inside.
Finding Safety
Five: I need help breathing. I feel scared, I need your hand, I need you to hold me, I need you to not let me go. I can’t stop crying and I’m not ok and I’m not sure we’re ok. Help. I’m searching for a place to rest —a place to let the chaos pass…
How
I wish I was better at managing anxiety. It's burning through my body, literally--my stomach is on fire for no other reason. I am holding back another panic attack and terrified tears. I feel paralyzed and helpless. Fear is stealing my strength and will and ability to keep going. Self-doubt is settling in. Confidence is…
Boiling Point
Why do I feel defensive, anxious, angry, and fearful every time my phone rings and “dad” shows up on the screen? Because I had to defend myself every single day of my childhood. How come I can only freeze when I feel anger? Because anger wasn’t allowed without major consequences. Why does anger simultaneously bring…
Both/And
A thunderstorm inside; protected by my exterior. Lightning strikes: beautiful and deadly. Like monsoon season, unpredictable yet a timeframe exists for when one might occur. I think even my support is uncertain, as am I. But now, as I have practiced before, I can lean in. I will choose to feed the good wolf, in…
F E A R
Maybe a year ago, I was sitting on the floor of my dietitian's office, my untouched lunch on the coffee table in front of me. "What are you really afraid of? You're not afraid of food." Her words felt piercing. Who was she to tell me what I am or am not afraid of? My…
Coping
Sometimes you come at night while I’m trying to slow down. When I’m trying to forget you, and I cry for protection but no one can hear me. No one can hear me. No. Stop. No. Things I can’t say out loud or loudly enough or without a panic attack. It seems unfair my day…
