My name is Jessie, I am 21, and I am a sufferer of chronic anxiety. I've lived with anxiety since I was 15, but in July I am going to undertake my biggest challenge yet: I am traveling overseas for the first time to Scotland, visiting a friend. Alone. For two weeks.

Holy fuck.

In a desperate hope to somehow manage the anxiety that I knew this trip would generate, I have started seeing a therapist, Dr. Z, to learn some techniques that may help me cope or prevent panic attacks so I can have a good time on my vacation without constantly being aware of the crippling unfamiliarity of everything about my situation. (Deep breaths.) Dr. Z has been treating me with EMDR therapy, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. I'm not entirely sure what all that means, but I watch a flashing light and think about things a lot. I'm not sure if it's helping. Time will tell, I suppose.

But along the way, I'm also trying to find out for myself different methods that will comfort me when I'm feeling anxious. This isn't something I'm particularly talented at, but I'm trying. We'll see how it goes.

Bear with me, folks.