I feel like the story is the same for so many of us. Fairly normal life, struck with a hardship that leads to self development and understanding. I see it so much online but never in real life. I had a fairly normal upbringing. A few family members passing but being tuned in to the world made me realise death was part of it, so bereavement wasn't really a dominating factor. The way my experience differs to many I see is that I have a complete fear of drugs and alcohol. Anything body altering just terrifies me. In May 2014 I was prescribed diazepam for my panic attacks and have yet to take any of them. But I feel like having anxiety has improved me as a person? I feel more aware of my surroundings. And even though I know I'm not better I definitely know what I need to do to get to where I want to be. Everyones only human. We can only do so much, and doing the best in the current situation is the best you can ever do. (I'm new here btw, loving it so far!)