I am having a panic attack. My mind feels like it’s closing in on itself, and there is pressure fighting to escape from every inch of my body. I begin to hyperventilate, and seek to find a release from the crushing force no matter what pain it causes me. I am not in my right mind. I scratch my chest, arms, and legs because there is a twisted, desperate voice saying that it will make me feel better. I pull on my hair and curl up in a ball, surveying the bloody damage running the length of my arms. If I don’t get my breathing under control soon, I will become numb and eventually pass out. Already I have lost feeling in my hands and feet. My mouth is clamped shut, so I can’t call for help. Life has me temporarily paralyzed.
TRAM 16 