The Symptoms: HOT FLASHES
They come on fast. At first, it’s subtle. There’s an odd feeling inside my head, like a bunch of Christmas lights that start to blink erratically. And then it begins - something sickly starts to slither down the base of my head and down my spine. That’s when the heat begins to billow out from my chest, cascading outwards until it feels as if my whole being is on fire. This heat isn’t the type of heat where if I turn off the thermostat I’ll feel better. Sure, taking off clothing can help release some of the heat. (not always possible to do) This heat, it’s internal. It’s a fire, raging. Out of control. It feels as if I’m being cooked from the inside out. My heart starts to beat rapidly, and beads of sweat pop up on my forehead and my upper lip. My head is filled with pressure. I’m sure it’s about to implode. Holding hands with the heat is Anxiety. This anxiety isn’t about any one thing or, really, anything at all. ...
