Firstly, I speak under no authority or personal experience (yet). However, I wanted to share how I’ve been able to calm my fear ahead of my first infusion, as someone who’s suffered with panic for 30 years.
I told the doctor having a panic attack was my biggest fear. But as the question came out of my mouth, it hit me- I ALREADY HAVE PANIC ATTACKS, ALL THE F*CKING TIME. If I’m going to have them any way, why not have them in a super safe environment where I’m being monitored, instead of, say, the grocery store?
Not only that, but what if it diminishes panic on a daily basis? Am I really going to get this far in the process, only to concede I’m unable to tolerate treatment for poor mental health, bc of, *checks notes*, my poor mental health? In what world does that make sense?
I mean, three decades in, I think I would consent to sacrificing a finger if it meant I could stop being afraid of *restaurants*.I just wanna do normal people things, you know?
Bottom line- I will not be the first or last panic sufferer to walk through those doors, and neither will any of you. If we can’t be our imperfect selves in a mental health setting, where can we?
That is all! I wish the best for everyone here. My tribe 💕