Hello everyone. I just joined, and thought I would share an experience I had today.

My anxiety sometimes causes chest pains/palpitations/etc, so I had a stress echocardiogram scheduled to rule out anything nefarious. Today was that day. Now I had a stress echo a few years ago and it was no big deal, so I shouldn’t have been all that anxious this time. But I was. I slept crappy the night before and was feeling anxious, lightheaded, and queasy when I arrived.

When I was taken into the exam room, I told the crew assembled there that I wasn’t feeling well and asked if it would be OK if I were to bail. They said it would be fine, but suggested I do the resting portion, then see if I was feeling up to the stress portion. I agreed. Everyone left the room except for the ultrasound tech and me. During the procedure he asked me some questions about my anxiety — do I take medication, how it all started, etc. He then said to me in a muted voice, “Just between you and me, I’ve been struggling with anxiety and panic off and on for the last 14 years.” Now this totally floored me.

First, here’s a guy in the prime of his life, with a good job, good health, youthful good looks (yep, I was jealous) — yet he struggles with anxiety like I do. In fact, he said just talking about it with me was giving him some mild left-sided chest pain. How ironic is THAT? He shared that he takes blood pressure meds partly to help him cope with the stress that comes with having a job that involves life and death.

Second, this is just another example to me of how pervasive anxiety and panic are. I have been amazed at how many people (among the few I’ve talked with about my anxiety) either struggle with it, have done so in the past, or have a friend/family member who is affected.

FYI, I told him to check out anxietyguru.net because Paul seems to have a very good understanding of anxiety issues and how to cope.

What’s my takeaway from all this? If you have anxiety/panic issues, you’re in good company. There are people all around you who do as well. Coworkers, neighbors, people you worship with, and even medical caregivers. You are NOT alone — not even close. In fact, I dare say that anxiety, panic, and their close cousin depression may be the “new normal” in our society. So when I see people who appear to be perfectly happy and have it all together, and find myself wishing I could be like them, I remind myself that perhaps I really am but don't realize it.

BTW, the ultrasound tech isn’t supposed to give me any advance intel, but he said everything looks good. Phew.

Be blessed!

Amen, Sarah! 🙂