Panic

It always comes on so fast.

I'll be going about my day, feeling relaxed,

Then panic will decide to attack.

It starts with my heart accelerating to an erratic rhythm.

I can feel my heartbeats, but nothing I can do will slow them.

I just have to endure them.

Panic.

Next is the tightening of my chest.

It feels almost like cardiac arrest.

I just have to breathe through it.

Panic.

But then my breathing goes, too.

Third is always the shortening of breath.

This is normally the worst step.

Panic.

My skin will feel tight, restricting,

Like I'm claustrophobic in my own body.

Everything will fade out until all I can hear is my heartbeat.

Thud, thud, on repeat.

Panic.