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!
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 🙂
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 🙂
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!
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!
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
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
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.
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.
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. 🙂
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. 🙂