For the last few days I have been thinking about this website and my experience with it. It has been months since I visited. Today this website made me realize just how much progress I have made since I found out that I had been suffering from major panic and anxiety, which was about two years ago. I remember thinking, and sometimes still do, am I ever going to get out of this? Is this the new "normal" for me? My future felt so daunting. Anxiety and panic became so paralyzing for me and so many times I wanted to throw in the towel and just stay inside and remain a victim, but I didn't. I kept fighting and fighting.
Every time I felt I had exhausted the techniques of new resources I would turn to another and another. Each time I would find people just like me. This website was my constant in resources. There was a time when I would visit at least 5 times a day or I would just remain logged in. There was a sense of security knowing I could reach out at any given time and people who were just like me would reach back. Eventually my time on the website was less and less. Now, as mentioned earlier, it has been months since my last log in.
Well, I have just finished my first semester at the univeristy as a junior. The transition was tough. I found myself having a few panic attacks and anxiety. So, the success story? I knew the anxiety was normal for anyone. I now accept that I am prone to anxiety maybe more so than others around me right now in my life, but that's ok. The panic attack? So what, I had it, got through it, and learned from it. My plan was to make a list and do things perhaps in baby steps until I'm ready to do more. Now, here I am recognizing and being proud of myself for the strides I have made in overcoming panic and anxiety. And, yes, I have overcome it. It may come over me from time-to-time, but I have taken over and am now the victor-not the victim.
I wish all of you who are still in the depths of struggling the best of luck. I encourage you to keep fighting for your life. Staying in the house, not driving, avoiding people, crying, panicking, and worrying, robbs you of all you deserve. Unfortunately, there is no magic pill, no one avenue that will make things better. Reach for whatever you have to reach for as long as it supports your well-being. YOU WILL GET BETTER.
Vincenza, Health Educator 
