Five days, on and off. That's how long my most recent anxiety attack lasted. A whole lot of "woe is me" building up in my system, making me fear for my future, thoughts racing at the speed of fright. The funny thing about my anxiety is that, not only am I on the struggle bus, I'm the one driving the bus.
Who would have thought that all I needed was some backseat drivers. My coworkers caught me shaking and looking nervous at lunch. They gave me a pep talk and offered me assistance. They never tried to take the steering wheel from me. They just offered direction. That's all I needed. I have been alright ever since.
I have always struggled with asking for help. I never wanted to be a charity case. My coworkers assured me that I was not a charity case, that we're meant to help each other in our times of need. In the past couple weeks, I have received a lot of guidance, food, and anonymous money donations from coworkers. The assistance and care has opened my eyes to the fact that there are people around me who truly care for me. (Another funny thing about my anxiety: thinking everyone just tolerates you, nothing more.) I will be forever grateful to the amazing people I work with.
My new goal in life is to be a backseat driver. The struggle bus doesn't offer a smooth ride, but I know now that I can help others on this field trip called life.
