It was my 17th birthday when the twin towers were struck down so viciously. I live in Texas and knew one directly effected by the attack. I remember going to class with a hangover, my sisters ritas=). I remember laying down and the Coach turning on TV and glimpsing at what was going on while I strained to stay awake. I didn't fully understand what had happened until I got home from school that day. We had cake with my family and friends, and every channel on cable tv was showing the attack and talking about how many people had died. I made my dad put in home movies while we listened to the Beatles and tried to enjoy my birthday. Almost immediately after the attack I began to have stomache problems. I was scared something was going to happen close to my home, terrorist would attack my state and kill people I love. I was diagnosed with IBS which was triggered by my anxiety and I lost weight rapidly. I went from 150 to 115 in a year. I had two panic attacks that were both related to breathing illnesses (pluresy, bronchitis, uri, etc). The panic attacks were the scariest events I have ever experienced. I remember my whole body felt like it was asleep,from my toungue, the top of my head, and all the way to my toes.
I am now about to be 24, a mother, a wife, and a student. I still feel anxiety and the best method is to recognize that it IS anxiety and kick it. I usually feel anxious when I am sick or someone I know is ill. Prayer helps alot.

ss: i sure do believe in the power of prayer and mediation. anxiety surely can make you go crazy, and just as long as you have a focal point, it does seem to make things better. i wish you the best and continue praying.