I am writing this leaflet because I am lost in life. Not just
because I don't know what the perfect job is, or how to get rich and
so on. I'm lost and feel very alone in this world because I live
with an invisible handicap, panic disorder. Sure it has a name, and
even a few doctors that know how to help it. But it's invisible
because the public constantly dismisses it as if you are just crazy.
Or my all time favorite, "just calm down, it will be ok." I want to
yell so loud, kick and scream sometimes so that maybe I will fit
into their crazy stereotypes.
I have to admit sometimes I would rather have a missing limb or
distorted face then live with any type of mental disorder. For the
people in your life that don't know you have it and are around to
experience it usually walk away from you or ask you to leave because
you are causing a disturbance. But do you get help or even sympathy
NOT A CHANCE. For those in your life that do know you have a
disorder always keep an eye on you as if you are a bomb about to
explode any minute. But if you did have a missing limb or even an
ugly face people would stare but they would also ask questions and
try to learn what happened and sympathize. They would help you in as
many ways as they would know how. And before leaving you they would
pat you on the back or some sort of friendly gesture and say, "you
are a great person, and I hope to run into you again sometime. You
have a nice day." But do we get that? No!
How nice life would be if more businesses would cater to the
invisible handicap. It would be simple really. You see I live with
panic disorder and it is hard for me to go out to dinner with my
husband because waiting for 20 minutes causes some anxiety. Sitting
at the table dead center of the restaurant doesn't help either. But
go to that same restaurant in a wheelchair and I can almost
guarantee they will have a ramp in the front, seat you right away
because they also have a special table that is somewhat on its own
equip for a wheel chair to pull up.
How can that same restaurant help those who suffer from the
invisible handicap? Well easy really, our doctors would provide us
with an I.D. stating our disorder and when we order our table or
make reservations all they would have to do is sit us somewhere as
quite as possible and as quick as possible. No special equipment
needs to be built just a little sympathy and understanding.
We think to ourselves yeah right this would never happen and would
take forever to actually see a difference right? WRONG! Disneyland
in California has been doing it for years. If you have a mental
disorder that makes it hard for you to stand in their 1 or 2 hour
lines all you have to do is bring a signed note from your doctor
describing your illness and Disneyland will do all that they can to
make your experience fun for you in every way. I've done it I know.
You go to Town Hall and show them your doctors' note. They then give
you a pass along with any rides they suggest you do not go on. Then
you take your pass to the guide at the front of the line and you
ride the ride. No wait, no phobias, no anxiety, and just pure Disney
magic.
Why can't more of America be so generous? I believe if any of us had
such courtesy in every day life, then living with our disorder
wouldn't be so bad. Matter of fact to all you doctors out there I
think you would see more of your patients going out and living life
again, as you've been telling them to do.
I am 30 years old and I do believe in the power of speech and
education. With the support of this leaflet I want to write a book
of OUR stories to change America's understandings or, lack they're
of, to all you out there who share the pain and struggles of your
invisible handicap. Why should we rely on our doctor, family, and
friends only when all other handicaps rely on the world for comfort
and help?
If you want to help me help us, please write me with your questions,
struggles, or just what you would need to help improve the quality
in your life. With these letters I can get a better understanding of
what you go through and will include that knowledge in a book that I
will try hard to make a best seller. Not for fame or fortune but
being a best seller more of America would pick it up and read it
even if they do not have a friend or relative who struggles with it.
Also all the proceeds will go towards an idea I have for making a
center for us to get more help, understanding, and most of all
anxiety free.
I think it's just the first friendly step to knowledge and awareness
without all the educated legal mumbo-jumbo. Just regular people who
need a little more understanding in their lives. I'm not a doctor
nor do I claim to be. I am just one voice that I want heard loud
enough with the support of other voices to help change America's
understanding of "The Invisible Handicap". Let's work together to do
so.

Write me at:
Brandy – Invisible Handicap
4201 W. Rochelle Ave #2163
Las Vegas, NV 89103

Email me at:
brandy@...

Yours truly,
Brandy w/ Panic Disorder