I will tell you the truth

How to survive in this world when you’re afraid

I will tell you the truth.

I had my first panic attack when I was nine-years-old. I made myself so small hoping the monster in my chest would take pity on me and leave my body.

I have had years without panic. And more years with it. And now we live, my panic and I, not side by side, but, in an uneasy truce.