Emyjay, if you are looking for understanding women, whether or not they can relate…you are definitely in the right place here.

Once in my life I experienced a panic attack. I think that's what it was. It was just horrible, and I hope you can keep yours under control.

Maybe it will help you when I tell you how I got my attack…and if you feel one coming on…think about my situation…and think OMG it could be worse!

This happened about 2 years ago. Hubby and I wanted to go on a bicycle ride. Just as we rolled our bikes out of the garage, a large group of neighbors on their bikes passed by. They stopped, turned around and said we should join them on their tour. Now, I do sports…but for some reason bike riding, especially up hill, does a number on my heart. I immediately said no, I would just slow down the group.

They all insisted we join them anyway, and that they aren't fast bikers. So off we went… I held my own for the first hour or so…but then I was getting tired. I caught up to my Hubby and told him I'm turning around, I've had enough. As I turned around, the entire group turned around too, and said no one should bike home alone.

Of course I told them no, but they insisted. Then one guy said he knew of a fantastic shortcut. This shortcut included a hill as high as Mt. Everest. Already at the bottom I thought I was dead. I got off the bike and started pushing. I was half jogging…just because I didn't want to slow anyone in the group. Well the 'peer' pressure and all was just too much for me. I started to hyper-ventilate, and was close to fainting. They all gathered around me, and some bright jerk said, maybe she should hang her head down? -- Hang my head down!!

Suddenly two men grabbed my legs, and two my arms, and they schlepped me to a dead tree trunk. They got up on the trunk and hung my head down like a bat! Mind you…I was in sheer panic and terror; couldn't get my breath … and thought my time is over on this earth. With my last bit of strength I kicked, so that two of the big heroes fell backwards behind the trunk.

They let me go and threw me like a bag of potatoes on the ground;… It healed me! I got my breath back, enough so to cry and laugh at the same time; really…and all this in front of our neighbors. ( I wanted to move afterwards…but Hubby was stubborn.)

Please Emjay, I'm not making light of your situation… I'm just saying sometimes humour is the best medication we have…and it's in our bodies to carry around whenever we need it. But yes! Do take your medication. It helps you stay strong and maybe see the lighter side of things.