Izzy's Recovery From Anxiety and Panic Attacks

Hi, I'm Izzy,
I run service & social at FRAHM. For Mental Health Awareness Week I'd like to share my mental health story:

For most of my youth, I experienced depression.

Two years ago, I moved away from home to chase a big dream. Not long after, I developed panic disorder and anxiety - although I didn’t realise that’s what it was at the time.

I was a social worker. I’d supported so many people through similar things, so I thought I’d recognise it in myself. But when it’s happening to you, it feels completely different.
I never thought of myself as an anxious person. I was always the calm, chilled one. Some panic attacks were so intense that I thought I was dying. I felt terrified and completely alone. They seemed to come out of nowhere.

Looking back now, my nervous system was on constant alert. My amygdala reacted like I was being chased by a lion every time I left the house.

At one point, I truly believed I would feel like that forever.

But slowly, things changed.

I kept doing the things that felt impossible until they gradually became possible again. I went to therapy. I learned how to be kinder to myself. I stopped fighting my feelings and started understanding them.

Eventually, I trusted myself again.

And one day, I recognised myself. I felt present. Calm. Like me.

I’ve learned more about myself through this than I ever expected, and I’m stronger for it.
That’s a big part of what continues to draw me to FRAHM. You realise there is always someone else carrying something invisible, no matter how alone you feel.

I’m not sharing this to preach. Just in case someone reading it needs to hear that things can improve, even when it feels impossible.

Talking helped me - my partner, my family, my therapist. The coping tools I learned are things I’ll carry with me for life.

One of the most fulfilling parts of this community is hearing your stories too.

If you can help even one person feel less alone, that matters.