An answer to prayer

I was at the end of my rope.

During college, I began using marijuana and hallucinogens regularly. Following a “bad trip,” I found myself experiencing anxiety attacks and flashbacks of a violent nature. I was given prescription drugs for anxiety and told I would need to take them indefinitely. Then I began losing weight and, at times, literally trembled with fear. I would have certainly taken my life, but I could not figure a way that, if unsuccessful, would not leave me in a worse condition.

About a year after graduation, I traveled with my husband to Sacramento, California, to attend his brother’s wedding. We stayed with some of his family there, and I became a recluse in their guest bedroom, even though they tried in every way to make me comfortable. One day, we went downtown to have lunch with his aunt and uncle, but I did not make it through lunch before an oncoming flashback made me run out of the restaurant. Soon after, my husband and I were left to sightsee, but I felt so weak and miserable that I decided then and there to run away so as not to burden others with my problems. I sent my husband down the block to call for a ride, stepped from the storefront, and started to run. At that very moment, the temperature dropped 20 degrees or so and hail started pounding the street. In despair, I stepped back into the storefront.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Poem
It all adds up
May 6, 2013
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit