Today’s What I Ate Wednesday is a little late because I wouldn’t let myself get back on the computer yesterday. Why? Because yesterday I had an anxiety attack.
Breakfast: blueberry cacao smoothie with frozen spinach and brown rice protein
It wasn’t the “OMG I have a huge paper due tomorrow and I’m totally gonna have an anxiety attack” kind of thing. It was the kind where I had to call 911 for the first time in my life and sit in an ambulance with an oxygen mask on my face.
It came out of nowhere. I woke up with tightness in my chest that I thought nothing of until my right arm starting tingling a few hours later. I thought I was having a stroke. I thought I was dying.
Because of my dad’s recent health history, my mom told me to immediately call 911. Thirty seconds into the call, both of my arms, my legs, and my face went completely numb and tingly. I couldn’t move my hands or my lips and I could barely breathe. I was terrified.
Lunch: curried chickpea kale soup + roasted chickpeas + small bowl of tuna kraut
The paramedics told me I was having an anxiety attack. I thought an anxiety attack was a figure of speech. How could this just be an anxiety attack? It turns out that anxiety attacks often lead people to the ER because the symptoms so closely mimic that of a more serious condition, like a heart attack or stroke.
Snacks: raspberries, cherry vanilla protein bar, roasted sweet potatoes with hummus and hot sauce
Maybe this will never happen again and life will go on like normal. But maybe, just maybe, it’s a sign that I need to take a step back, unwind, and give my poor brain a break.
Dinner: Whole Foods Meatless Monday plate
The strangest part is that I wasn’t even stressed about anything. I was actually having a great day minus the tightness in my chest. I think I suppress my stress. I’m a really happy person and I love what I do, but I don’t relax. I don’t ever just sit around.
And maybe it’s time that I do!
Calla says
This happened to me once (although I have felt anxiety many, many more times than the one ER-required experience). It was actually AFTER the major stressors in my life had decreased/ended. So from that, and a few other anxious times in my life I learned that it isn’t during the stressful event/time that my mind and body react. It is afterwards, when my body is able to relax and process (even though it is not a conscious mental process). I don’t know what your life has been like the last few months, but maybe this is a similar situation for you so I wanted to share in hopes that it helps and maybe gives you an ‘ah ha!’ moment. I now know when I am going through a high stress time that I need to be alert and pay extra attention to self-care in the months following, as the anxiety will surely strike! Best of luck. :)
Jackie Chlebeck says
Dang! Sorry you had to experience that. Am very happy it was not a heart thing or stroke. Scary nonetheless. Maybe scatter some much needed alternative relaxation methods into life, I.e. Yoga, meditation, aromatherapy, massages, whirlpool ….. Just breathe.
JanBrulz says
Alexis,
I am so glad that you are ok. My mom used to always tell me that everything happens for a reason. We don’t always know right away what that reason is, but I think you are correct in thinking you might need to slow down a bit. You are always trying to be in a million different places and doing so many great things to help so many people. But, you have to take care of yourself first:) You are young, healthy and very fit but you seem to push yourself to the ultimate limits. You are an extraordinary young woman who encourages me to continue on a healthy path, and I thank you so much for that! Please continue to take good care of your physical and mental self. The universe is so lucky to have you in it! Have an awesome day.
Jan B
Dietitian Jess says
OMG!! I’m so glad you are okay- that’s super scary and happened to me a few years ago when I started my first RD job. Even if you love what you do doesnt mean that it doesnt stress or overwhelm you at times so I totally get you…. I had passed my RD exam, moved 4 hours away into a brand new city, signed a lease, bought a car, and started a job within 4 weeks… all awesome exciting stuff but that on top of meeting new friends and etc was alot. Take it easy and hope you are feeling much better today!
Shannon says
Wow! I am so glad you are okay. I have super bad anxiety but I have never been hospitalized. That is terrifying. Take it easy today :)
Missy says
If you are anything like me,
You’re going to need to be VERY disciplined if you want to start taking time to relax.
I can tell.
And yeah… you may think discipline? I got that in the bag. Look at all the sh*t I manage! That takes discipline!
Well.. it turns out it takes a whole ‘nother breed of discipline in order to get yourslef to release, relax and recharge.
But you can do it!
Scedule “smart” breaks. As in… don’t say you are going to go home and watch a movie and do nothing else tonight — know thyself!
It might be that you actually have to GO OUT to a movie (away from the household chores and the computer) or go read a book at a park (again…leaving the phone in the car).
But eventually you will learn to LOVE the downtime.
Dana | fresh simple five says
Happy to hear you are okay! I struggle sometimes when it comes to relaxing… I tend to feel guilty that I’m not getting something done, but then I remind myself that taking care of myself is surely an accomplishment and important. I hope you find some time to really relax, recharge and treat yourself to some much need “me-time.”
Kelly @ Eat the Gains says
Wow, that sounds so scary and I’m so glad you are okay! You are working your butt off so I think you deserve the much needed break and relaxation! Do a little reset and you will come back stronger than ever.
Arman @ thebigmansworld says
:) You know my thoughts.
Kristen says
I am sorry you experienced that! I know what it’s like.. It’s scary when it just hits like that out of nowhere..
Colleen says
That’s so scary! I think it might be a sign that you need some R&R!
Yoojin says
so glad to hear you’re okay!
i also experienced my first anxiety/panic attack a few months ago… it was the scariest thing ever.
very embarrassing too because i was in front of my classmates and was hyperventilating and yawning (from lack of oxygen going to the brain)!!
here’s to health missy :)
Kate says
I witnessed an anxiety attack once before and I was the only other person there. It was frightening- I felt helpless towards that person and thought she was having a heart attack. I called 911 and they said it was an anxiety attack. She was totally fine in the morning… but so scary! I’m sorry you had to go through that! I pray that it was a once in a million kind of thing for you.
Amanda @ .running with spoons. says
Oh lady… I’m so sorry that you had to go through something like that. I have a pretty bad history with panic attacks and anxiety myself, so I can definitely relate. The worst part for me was always the fact that I never -felt- stressed, so I never felt like I needed to manage it until it reached the point where I basically thought I was having a heart attack. But I’m glad you’re okay, and I hope you allow yourself some more “chilling” time. I know it can be hard to do, but it’s definitely a lifesaver in the long run.
Jamey says
I suppress my stress too! And then all of the sudden I’m bawling hysterically or can’t breathe. Nothing ever “feels” too stressful to me, so I keep piling more and more on. I’m glad you’re okay, but I’m sorry you had to go though that! Definitely take some time for yourself. We all understand :)
Hillary | Nutrition Nut on the Run says
From someone that deals with chronic anxiety, I’m very sorry to hear about your attack. I know how uncomfortable it can be – especially when you’re alone. I hope you DO rest… and maybe try acupuncture and Chinese herbs — just a suggestion, if you’re interested :)
Take it easy, girl. REST.
Lauren says
Hey Beautiful, just sent you an email. I know exactly how you feel and want to just send you some extra loving on here :)
Take it easy and rest up xxx
Courtney says
thanks for your honesty, mama. positive, healing energy being sent your way!!! thanks for all you do for those around you– please let me/ us know if there’s anything we can do to help here. xxxxxxx
Miss Polkadot says
Oh goodness, lady! I’m so glad you’re okay again but this really sounds like a major warning signal. With all you’re constantly working on – Alchemy, your blog, TV appearances and obviously social life – you definitely need a break at some point. As in: sooner rather than later. Take it!
Margaux says
That really sucks! I had crippling anxiety attacks for years where I would end up on the floor trying to breathe because it felt like I was dying, so I can imagine how terrified you must have been – definitely scale back: even if you don’t “feel” super stressed or anxious you are a crazy multitasker at heart I suspect and can often be unaware of just how much pressure you put on yourself physically and mentally. We’ll all still be here for when you post and carry on, but definitely make yourself a priority. :)
Claire says
Honestly, yesterday when I sat down to my coffee and blog check during my planning period and didn’t see your WIAW post I was bummed. But then I remembered the post you made a bit ago about living your life and not being tied to your computer/posts you want to make and I was like “You go, girl!” I’m sad that this is what was happening instead of something fun…So maybe take your own advice? We will still love you and read the heck out of your blog even if you take some time off to breathe. I know, it’s easier said than done but man, sometimes it feels amazing to go off the grid. Especially if you yell “I’M OFF THE GRID” when you’re doing it (a la New Girl) after you stash your phone/iPad/Macbook/workphone/other computers/eye cameras/mindscreens in your glove compartment and go off on adventures that hopefully include things that make your stomach feel good and things that make your heart feel good.
Cassie @ Almost Getting it Together says
Definitellllly have been there many a time. It totally comes out of no where and is so unexpected… it’s like as soon as I have a second to breathe my body catches up and is like WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS TO ME?!!
Glad you’re feeling better, girlie. Hope you treat yo’ self this weekend xo
Catherine Jackson says
I’m glad you are okay! I have issues with suppressing stress too! Thank you for being so open and honest though. I have really gotten into yoga this year and it has definitely taught me the importance of taking time for yourself and listening to your body!
Alexis says
Yoga is such a great thing…I need to get into it ASAP! I think it could do wonders for my breathing.
Chelsea @ Chelsea's Healthy Kitchen says
Wow girl that sounds terrifying! Glad it was “just” an anxiety attack though and not anything more serious.
I work really hard and stress out ALL THE TIME, but I think what keeps me semi-sane is relaxing time. Sometimes I just need to sit on my couch for 2 hours and do nothing but read blogs or a book lol. Hope you can find some time to fit in relaxing from here on in! :)
Alexis says
Me too. Sometimes I think I need to relax by just getting off my computer completely. It can be calming but stressful at the same time!
Kelsey says
I’ve only had one anxiety attack in my life (so far) and it was pretty scary. Not as severe as what you went through, but definitely a bit of a numbing feeling, as well as a crazy tightness in my chest. Since anxiety runs in my family (3 generations that I know of), I’m always aware of my stress levels; I went through one attack and hope I never have to experience another. I hope you are doing well after hopefully taking some time to relax this weekend.
Ruth says
Many women suffer physiological and psychological distress during both ovulation and menstruation; typical symptoms include bloating, cramping, mood swings, irritability, fatigue, anxiety and depression. Yeah, there are so many underlying reasons behind this disorder. Whatever the reason is, we should do our best to deal it, and drinking ashwagandha tea is my way to prevent anxiety attack because it plays a vital role in fighting mood imbalance though eating is another antidote but I’m afraid that I can’t control my eating habits.