SSalinas Member Profile

...See more I'm turning 28 years old this St Patrick's Day. I developed my anxiety disorder around 4th grade (so maybe 8 or 9 years old) but I wasn't officially diagnosed until I was in 8th grade. I struggle with it a lot, but only because I have common triggers and an unfortunate reactions. Due to dealing with it for almost two decades now, I have learned the different "levels" of attacks and can live my life fairly easily. Level 1 - muscle tension and heart rate increase Level 2 - hyperventilation and throat contraction (cant speak and difficultly breathing) Level 3 - vomiting and palpitations I cant handle dense crowds, restaurants, or doing something significantly out of routine (e.g. theme parks, concerts, weddings, etc) without an attack of some level. It's been almost 10 years since I've been in a restaurant because the first attack happened in a crowded restaurant. I'm fighting back slowly but surely. I made a bucket list and every year for my birthday I go someplace new and cross things off the list. So far 180 experiences listed. Two years ago I did a roadtrip and hiked eight waterfall trails in southern California. Last year I went to Vegas. I had never left the state by myself, never been in a plane (the pilot saw me crying and was very kind to me), never went land sailing, never been to a show (saw Criss Angel), never been on a ferris wheel (High Roller), and my greatest accomplishment was that I did the Sky Jump and jumped off the Stratosphere! This year I'm going to Arizona where more things will be crossed off (hoping to experience Falconry or maybe do a hot air balloon ride). I hope to not only find help when I have episodes, but also be a help and inspiration to others here. Maybe find some friends nearby too, who knows?

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