Life in Panic

People close to me know that I struggle with anxiety. Sometimes it is a daily obstacle. Right now, I am doing well, but I never know when a panic attack will strike. I know some of my triggers, but not all of them. I know I am not alone in this struggle. I also know many people don't understand what attacks are like. The poem I wrote for Wyoming Writing Project gives a small glimpse into what I go through frequently. I hope it helps someone somehow.

Life in Panic

By Wendy Chaulk

Typical day

Laughing and living

No change in routine

But then

Suddenly

Arms twitch

Muscles tighten

Feet twitch

Heart pounds out of my chest

Body on fire

Tears threaten

Hide it.

Fake smile

Forced conversations

Until I can escape

When I do

Scratch

P u l l

Squeeze

Stare into space

Jump in the shower

L

 e

   t

     

      m

        y

          t

            e

              a

                r

                  s

                    f

                     a

                        l

                          l

Spin, spin, spin to release

Five minutes, five hours

I never can tell

How long it will take

To get back to my

Typical day