10 years ago today, I got the worst (and best) birthday gift of my life. I dropped acid with my friends and spiraled into existential confusion and panic (colloquially known as a “bad trip”). Fast forward 4 months later, I was enjoying some quality time with the family until a whisper of anxiety in the back of my head crescendoed into that familiar horror from a few months back.
This was the beginning of a long 6-month journey through daily panic attacks, mental health struggles, and ultimately getting back to some semblance of a normal life.
I hope by sharing my story, those in a similar situation find the hope and optimism they need to endure it. While hard times may feel they will last forever, I’m here to reiterate the long-standing truth that nothing lasts forever, not the good nor the bad. There is life on the other side of your current situation.