Don't Panic: My Life Story

Don't Panic is the true story of my battle with anxiety, panic attacks and intrusive thoughts. Throughout this book, I want to take you on my journey from a young seven-year-old boy who did not want to go to school to a successful Criminal Investigator in San Antonio, Texas, (retired). It was not until later in life that I was diagnosed with what is known as obsessive-compulsive disorder. A family member read an article in the local newspaper which mentioned a Phobia Clinic and with the help of a psychiatrist, and therapist from that clinic, and medication, I was finally able to live a normal life. It's amazing to see how a mind full of panic, anxiety and intrusive thoughts can be conditioned to follow a more rational thought process.

About the Author :
Adrian Ramirez is a retired Criminal Investigator who grew up with anxiety, panic attacks and what is now known as obsessive-compulsive disorder.As a young boy, all he knew is that he felt afraid and scared. He did not want to go to school due to the unknown fear inside him. His parents could never understand why he was always afraid, but as he got older the symptoms subsided due to his involvement in clubs at school, such as student council, art club and athletics. It was in high school, as he participated in sports, where he felt at his best. At the age of 17 he graduated from high school and attended junior college. He later married at the age of 19 and had his first-born son. Early in his marriage he sustained an eye injury, triggering the same anxiety and panic attacks he had as a child. The difference: this time he was a young adult, a new husband and young father living in a small apartment, trying to support his family and continue his studies, it all became overwhelming toyoung Adrian. Little did he know he was going to be facing the same demons once again, but now as an adult.He spoke to several of his elders and finally reached out to his college counselor, who's explanation for his anxiety was that too many things were happening to him very fast and he was faced with so much new responsibility. Unfortunately, Adrian stopped going to school, could no longer work, and, worst of all, could no longer drive. His mind went spiraling out of control until he and his family moved from the small apartment to new surroundings. With the help of his wife, family members and prayers, he forced his way back into society where he could work and be there for his family. For the next five years he was functional, but not to his full potential, struggling to survive the fear and anxiety day by day. It wasn't until a family member informed him of a local Phobia Clinic which appeared to be veryfamiliar with what he was experiencing. He made an appointment with the clinic where both he and his wife were relieved to find out there was a name for his condition, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and that it was treatable. Through months of therapy and medication, he became aware that it was actually intrusive thoughts that looped through his brain, creating the fear, anxiety and panic. For something that Adrian thought he could never overcome; he was now able to control those intrusive thoughts. It was a long journey that no child or young adult should ever have to face. Adrian has been commended and blessed as a wonderful husband, supportive father and an exceptional Law Enforcement Criminal Investigator. Understanding how treatment saved his life and that there may be others like him, Adrian advocates his experiences to those who have similar symptoms.