Help Sheree raise money

Last fall, at the age of 48, I returned to school full-time for professional development. I have properly handled stress many times in my career, but I was fully unprepared for how my perimenopausal mind would react to a course that condenses practically two years worth of knowledge into just one.

Without realizing it, a feeling of dread started creeping in. Nervousness, fear, and anxiety began to grow. After midterms, I experienced for the first in my life panic attacks, trembling, difficulty breathing, and spontaneous crying.

I have always believed that mental illness should not be a source of shame and should be confronted. Now that I was personally experiencing it, it was time I walked my own talk, and so a quick call to a mental health crisis was the starting point for healing.

I leaned hard on God, who brought people from all walks in my life to support and encourage me through the hard times. Allowances were made by the college to reduce the mental load, and medication brought my anxiety to a manageable level. It's curious, you don't realize what a relief it is to breathe peacefully until you suddenly can't.

This is my third time participating in this race, but it's the first time it's become personal. To all the women out there who are fighting their own battles, may God give you strength and peace during the dark and lonely hours, and may this race give you hope.

I run for you.