Payal Patel

Throughout my career I worked with patients who have experienced anxiety, but I never know that I would become my own patient.

I experienced anxiety at the end of December 2016, when my fiancé suffered some health issues.

My anxiety would create intense stomach pains as soon as it started to get dark outside. My stomach would start turning, and I would feel extremely nauseous. The worst of it was that it robbed me of my sleep. I went months without sleeping in fear that something may happen to my fiancé at night and I was always found myself on edge.

Then in June, we rescued my puppy, Zeke! he’s a labrador retriever mix and honestly my savior. He’s helped me with my anxiety in ways I can’t even describe. He can sense when i’m experiencing anxiety, & will immediately start licking me or will rest his head on my lap.

He will lay right on my pillow, with his paw on my shoulder, which helps me sleep peacefully at night.

As a therapist, I felt super low that I couldn't find ways to manage my experience with anxiety.

Small things like breathing techniques, would help only for a brief period of time. I’m fortunate that Zeke has been such a huge sense of support for me, but I know a lot of people have a long-term battle with anxiety. I love sharing my experience with my patients who also suffer anxiety, it helps us connect in a way that I wasn’t able to before.

ABOUT

In alignment with our mission to encourage others to #SpeakUp about mental health, we’ve created this blog – a passion project highlighting those who wish to share their stories with the world.

Open to anyone, the series features personal anecdotes from members of the South Asian community who have struggled with mental illness – and the stigma that comes along with it.

To submit your story, click here.