The story behind ‘Love Me Out Loud’ – Don’t Panic! You’re Not Alone

Hello everyone:

I feel inclined to share my journey through panic disorder with all of you as it plagued my life several years ago. Although it took something from me years ago it also gave me back something very special,…my music and an out pouring of lyrics and emotions that would become ‘Love Me Out Loud’ my newest album.

I hope to start a conversation between those who have answers and those who may be going threw the most difficult sides of panic and acute anxiety right now. While I am not a doctor and am not here to tell you I have all the answers I am here to share my experience in hopes that others will follow.

For those of you reading this right now who feel like they’re in the ‘belly of the beast’ and have darn near given up on ever getting better, I’m here to tell you its possible – not because I learned it in a book or heard somebody talk about it but because I have gone through it and live today with no panic and even better no medication;)

Stop for a moment a breath. There are answers for what you’re going through … you’re not alone. As a matter of fact there are more people going through it than you could imagine.

Breathe, you’ll hear me say that a lot. Walk over to the mirror and look yourself dead in the eye and say out loud
“ I can be uncomfortable and OK”

“ I can make it through this because I KNOW in my heart that this is just a moment in my life that I’ll learn a lot about myself”…

Just so you know everyone, I know several people who have gone through it and are doing quite well today – and without medication – IT IS POSSIBLE!

This is also a place for family members who may have some insight or need insight.

Everyone should know that this is a safe place to express yourself and your fears and hopes.

Panic is nothing to joke about. It is a disorder that renders some people unable to breathe, some unable to leave the house in it’s most advanced stages, and in some cases people pass out.

Across the board it takes the person going through it on a cruel uncomfortable ride where you’re constantly feeling the fear of “What If it happens now”.

Many sufferers become unable to fly, resist getting into elevators, and in some cases will not leave the house to drive in a car. They shy away from any place where they feel a loss of control. Thus rendering most a hostage in their own minds and bodies. It is a VERY REAL fear and is not to be taken lightly or seen as a “head case” experience it is both physical and mental.

The most important news I can share beyond all the medical info is that there is life after panic and acute anxiety … I am living proof.

There is no magical cure. I didn’t click my heels three times and find myself fixed.

It was more like holding my breath for two years while hiking up a mountain…

I am hoping that in opening up and shedding light on this topic with my own story we will, together, help you not spend so much time thinking your dying and losing control and spend more time experiencing life and knowing that sometimes we are uncomfortable…. but still OK.

Many people are afraid to discuss their issues with panic and anxiety because they fear they’re alone or will be horribly judged. I sure did years ago when I limped through it with fear as a guiding light.
To ALL of you who feel that way. Let me share something with you.

Panic disorder shut my daily life down for 1.5 years. I struggled every day with it and saw every mental and physical doctor you could possibly imagine. It became worse for me personally as I took medication. I had all the side affects and still felt the anxiety. I did persevere and work regardless of the fear and ‘what if’ factor. I still was challenged with everyday life – I struggled with panic alone in the dark. Fearful of what everyone would think.

I have not had a panic attack in 2 years and find that even my anxiety is manageable. I’ve set many coping mechanisms in place and even when I’m a bit off kilter I still have a strong sense of being uncomfortable,… and still OK. Most importantly to me I take zero medication. That is not true for everyone nor am I saying it should be but for me it was a personal goal and one I was proud to achieve.

Only now am I really talking about the struggle, the fixes, and the best part,..THE HOPE. I believe it’s truly important.

I have so many people asking me about panic attacks over the past 5 months and how I made it through i feel inclined to open up and talk. The current state of economics and the highly emotional issues are leaving people in a rather difficult space and in many cases in sheer PANIC!

SO my wish is that people will find as a place of learning and safety, a place to breath and know that you’re not alone.

All my best to you,

Cat Beach