Storytelling has long been a powerful tool for inspiring courage and cultivating strength, both within myself and those around me. Stories have an incredible ability to connect us to the world, evoke deep emotions, and highlight the triumphs that come after adversity. Through storytelling, we not only share our experiences but also find the courage to overcome our challenges.
One powerful example of storytelling in my life comes from a time when I faced overwhelming stress, fear, and anxiety after being laid off from my job at a hospital where I had worked for nine years. It was in the early 2000s, and the impact of this unexpected loss affected me in ways I never anticipated.
Before being laid off, my role at the hospital was demanding. Working in an outpatient HIV/AIDS clinic was high-stress, fast-paced, and required constant multitasking. Many days, the clinic was overcrowded with patients who claimed that they needed immediate attention, often causing frustration when their needs weren’t met quickly. The nature of the disease and the urgency of care meant patients frequently arrived without appointments, further compounding the pressure on staff.
Despite the overwhelming workload, my colleagues and I worked tirelessly to ensure all patients received the best care possible. We were trained to approach our work with knowledge, empathy, and understanding, and staff were always on-call for emergencies, whether during the day or night. It was noted that serving people with HIV/AIDS demanded not only technical expertise but also a deep emotional investment of sensitivity and care while providing the services that meet their needs.
During this time, I was also newly married and starting a family, which added another layer of stress to my life. Sleepless nights with infant and toddler children, combined with the demands of my job, took a significant toll on my physical and emotional well-being. I wasn’t fully aware of how much the strain was affecting me until I was laid off and suddenly found myself at home, adjusting to the role of a stay-at-home mom for the next two years.
The news of my layoff came suddenly and was a shock to both me and my family. It was during the Great Recession of 2007-2009 when countless companies laid off employees. My family and I weathered this difficult period. We relied on our savings, investments, prayers, and unexpected blessings—along with my husband’s steady job—to make it through.
So, when did the fear, anxiety, and panic attacks emerge? They began to take root after my work life came to a sudden halt. I’d heard stories of employees retiring from high-pressure hospital jobs only to struggle in their post-work lives, and some died shortly after retiring. Now, I understand why: the constant stress and pressure of these jobs take a serious toll on one’s well-being, especially when self-care is neglected.
In our busy lives, many of us fall into the trap of neglecting ourselves, seeking quick solutions to our problems, and hoping that life will work out on its own. Unfortunately, this approach often leaves us vulnerable to unexpected and unwelcome circumstances that arise from the lack of self-care, dictating our destinies.
It was through reflecting on my own story and learning from others that I began my journey of healing and self-care. I turned to listening to my inner self, praying to God through his son Jesus, and reading the Bible, primarily about figures who faced significant trials and tribulations yet overcame them through faith and perseverance. Their stories inspired me and gave me the courage and strength to confront my fears. As I studied their journeys, I discovered wisdom, strategies, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Today, I am no longer weighed down by fear, anxiety, or panic attacks. I am free. This freedom comes from the power of storytelling—not just my own, but also the stories of those who have walked this path before me. Furthermore, embracing this power has led me to become both a blogger and an author, as I’ve learned and grown from the stories that have shaped my journey. I also want to share mine and help others.
Today, I encourage you to reflect on your journey. Craft your story. Your experiences, challenges, and victories have the potential to inspire courage in others, as well as elevate you to new levels. You never know how your story could be the spark you and someone else need to keep moving forward. You can also learn more about overcoming fear, anxiety, and panic attacks from my previous blog titled: How to overcome anxiety and panic attacks.
Written by: Iodelle A. Chinnery