An Open Letter to the Meijer Employee Who Helped Me Breathe Again

What started as a quick Meijer run this weekend quickly turned into a scary situation. As I was walking near the fresh fruits and veggies, my chest got tight and it became harder and harder to catch my breath. Was it an asthma attack? A heart attack? Thankfully, no, but it was the beginning of a panic attack.

What a Panic Attack Can Feel Like

As my heart began to race, I stopped and held onto the shopping cart, then began to get dizzy. The confusion and sudden feeling of helplessness only made the panic worse. On top of that, I hated the idea of having a medical episode right in the middle of the grocery department. I felt stuck right there and had no idea what to do.

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Luckily, a Meijer employee named Erin noticed that I was struggling. She offered me a place to sit down, brought me a cold bottle of water, and helped me catch my breath and regain control. Giving me a few minutes to breathe and gather my thoughts helped the panic eventually pass. Had Erin not been there, I do not know how much worse it could have become.

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I have had some pretty nasty asthma attacks throughout my life, which can leave you feeling like a fish out of water. But I also experienced a severe panic attack a couple of years ago that was so intense I thought I was having a heart attack. Since then, I have seen my cardiologist, and my heart received a clean bill of health.

Why Panic Attacks Can Happen Anywhere

While some people are more prone to panic attacks than others, they can happen to anyone. The Cleveland Clinic offers tips to help stop a panic attack, including deep breathing, relaxing your muscles, and acknowledging that you are having a panic attack.

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I cannot say thank you enough to Erin at Meijer for being there for me, a complete stranger, when I needed help. She actually tracked me down and called me the nest day to check on me. It is so comforting to know there are still good people who look out for others. Thank you for your kindness, Erin!