Living with Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Panic Attacks that Feel like Dying

Sydney’s Experience with Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Sydney describes living with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), which can coexist with being happy, outgoing, and playful. Because anxiety is not always visible, she has worried that people might dismiss her or think she was being dramatic.

At times, her anxiety has become debilitating. During severe periods, she has struggled to leave home, drive, eat, sleep, or turn on the lights. Her panic attacks can include numbness, a racing heart, sweating, chills, feeling detached from herself, exhaustion, and an intense fear that she is dying.

Sydney says anxiety has affected her since childhood, though she only recognized some of her childhood habits and shyness as possible signs in hindsight. Getting a diagnosis and talking with family and friends helped her realize that others had similar experiences. She says prescribed medication made a major difference in her life, though accepting help was difficult at first.

Wellness and Self-Care Strategies

• Acknowledge anxiety rather than fight it: Sydney’s therapist suggested noticing the feeling and responding along the lines of, “I see you; let’s work through this together,” rather than trying to suppress it.
• Reach out for help: Sydney says asking for help is not a weakness. She believes she likely would have remained isolated without doing so.
• Talk openly and connect with others: Sharing experiences can help people feel less alone and make it easier for others to open up.
• Respond supportively when someone confides in you: Believe them, avoid dismissing their symptoms, and recognize that anxiety can have serious physical effects.
• Consider professional care: Sydney describes therapy and medication as helpful parts of her own experience. Her account is personal, not a one-size-fits-all treatment recommendation.
• Remember that outward appearance can be misleading: A cheerful person may still be struggling privately.

Presenters and Sources

• Sydney: Interviewee
• Chris Ulmer: Interviewer and host of Special Books by Special Kids