Breathe

SOmetimes...this world can be suffocating...

Standing on the edge of the crowd
racing mind, sweaty hands
trying to calm down but
you're scared & you can't 
your heart beats faster
the voices get louder 
the lights start spinning
you're getting dizzy
and you just...
can't seem to...
breathe

Sitting in the crowded lunchroom
self-conscious & afraid
Are they judging me?
Can they somehow see?
My panicked face?
My heartbeat race?
or the anxiety,
taking hold of me,
until I...
just cannot...
breathe?

Why can't I breathe when I need to most?

Standing at the front of class
icy smiles, staring eyes
watching every move I make
trying to see beneath my disguise
Why do they watch me?
What do they hope to see?
As my chest tightens 
my visions darkens
And I...
just cannot...
breathe...

But I want to breathe...

Author's Note

Does anyone else feel this way?

Reviews

[Chris Shaw]

You describe here how my 20 year old grandson feels when he has a panic attack. He has suffered from anxiety for sometime. There are strategies to help when you find yourself experiencing these episodes. He has found them helpful. Panics can be debilitating but knowing the triggers and how to cope when you are experiencing these frightening situations can help. Writing about it, is a form of release as well. You have conveyed that state of panic well in your lines.

Chris

[kathy rivers]

Yeah I do struggle with anxiety and I really hate crowded places...I also hate going to the school peprallies because they are loud and crowded and sometimes i feel like i just cannot breathe. i take meds for anxiety but they only work so much, you know?