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Kimberly Warner's avatar

What a fantastic essay and personal revelation. I, too, experienced a lot of body hyper-vigilance when I was younger, and I love how you came to understand that not as being “more” connected to yourself, but less. For me, the hyper-vigilance stemmed from trauma and was my nervous system’s way of trying to keep me safe, but it’s important we update and reassess our situation to see if we’re still in danger. It was quite a relief when my mind realized, “Phew! I don’t have to track all these things anymore!”

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Aris Hearth's avatar

Yes, exactly! Thank you so much for this comment and for reading :) I feel like every anxiety attack shows me something different about myself, which isn't to try to make them into "good things." It's just kind of the nature of them

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Mr. Troy Ford's avatar

I've never had an acute anxiety attack, but lots of chronic anxiety - I know how debilitating and frightening they can be after seeing friends suffer. I admire your ability to reflect and also to take the steps you need for support and medical attention, Aris.

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Aris Hearth's avatar

thank you so much 🙏🏼

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