Step 46: Have a Panic Attack

And have awesome friends to help you out.

You're bound to have a panic attack at some point in your life, if you haven't already had one. That constriction in your chest. The inability to move or speak. Struggling to breath. Fun times. And they can happen at any time for basically any reason (usually when you're stressed out, though).

I was at a club celebrating my Birthday. Now granted, I'll be the first to admit that I'm not a fan of huge crowds, but once you've gone through college you sort of get used to large masses of people dancing all around you. I've been to crowded clubs before and have never had a problem. I've been to frat house parties and been fine, for crying out loud! So I guess it was just bad luck that I froze up last Friday night.

But by good luck I was surrounded by amazing people who helped me get to a safe spot where I could calm down. And they made sure I had a good time the rest of the weekend, even if it wasn't in the middle of a mosh pit.

It's important that you have friends like that in your life--ones that'll go crazy with you but realize when things are getting a little out of control and step in. I think I relaxed a lot faster having my friends around me than I would have if I'd hidden in a bathroom or something. And for that, I thank the wonderful girls who helped me celebrate my 23rd Birthday. :)

So my question to you: What's something that you do to get over a panic attack? My friends took me back to the apartment and we drank hot cocoa while watching Frozen. Chocolate and kid movies are always a great way to escape from any stress you might be feeling. ;)

And my challenge to you: If you notice someone who's not quite acting right at a club, be it your friend or a random stranger, step in and make sure they're ok. It might be hard for them to come out and say they're freaking out--I know I couldn't even talk when my friends started asking if I was ok, let alone try to tell them I needed to get out of there--so sometimes you've got to take the initiative to help a sister out.