Psst… I have a Secret

I’m about to share something only those closest to me know. For 26 years, I’ve been living with panic disorder a type of anxiety disorder. It causes panic attacks, which are sudden feelings of terror when there is no real danger. Back in 2016, I could not leave my house for almost a year—I’d developed agoraphobia, which is an intense fear of unfamiliar places and unpredictable environments. It was at this point I couldn’t continue to suffer in silence—I sought professional help.

Panic attacks are horrible and frightening, but I have always been a fighter, so I refuse to let them get the best of me. I went back to college at ten years ago to study psychology because I wanted to understand what was happening to me—I also have a natural curiosity as to why people behave the way they do. I obtained both a B.S. and M.S. in psychology which not only equipped me with coping tools but even in my writing. I believe I do a much better job in creating three dimensional characters to whom my readers can relate.

As a nation, we have to educate ourselves in learning how to deal with people who suffer from mental disorders—when I worked in corporate America, I faced discrimination and harassment due to the fact that I suffered from chronic panic disorder, which was documented in my employee file. I fought back and won. If you have depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or any other mental health disorder, you are protected against discrimination and harassment at the workplace because of your condition, you have workplace privacy rights, and you may have a legal right to get reasonable accommodations that can help you perform and keep your job per the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. For more information on your workplace rights: http://bit.ly/3rtaKs3

I’ve found that the more I talk about panic disorder lessens my fear of having one. In fact, I discuss living with panic disorder & anxiety twice a month on Clubhouse. My handle is @jacquelinthomas.