Two years after her husband suddenly collapsed in their lounge from a heart attack, broadcaster Leah Panapa found herself sitting in the same place in the middle of the night believing she was experiencing the same thing.
But able to get her pounding heart under control and not wanting to worry anyone, she slipped back into bed with the unnerving thought, “What the heck is wrong with me?”
Over the following days, however, the symptoms intensified until one Sunday evening, while watching television, Leah turned to husband Mike Nesbitt – who had long recovered from his heart surgery – and told him he was going to have to take her to the hospital’s emergency department.
“Of course, I like to be dramatic so, clutching my chest, I said, ‘I think I’m having a heart attack,’ to which he calmly replied, ‘No babe, you’re not.’
“I convinced him I felt really terrible, though, so he agreed to take me,” recalls the Magic Talk announcer.
After spending 12 hours in A&E doing “every test known to man”, all the results came back fine, with the doctor convinced that her problems were psychosomatic.
After decades of being upbeat and easy-going, seemingly able to manage stress, Leah realized she just had her first encounter with anxiety.
She had seen friends and family members struggle with their mental health, but never herself and it caught her unaware.
“I just didn’t recognize what a panic attack looked or felt like, or that traumatic life events can trigger them,” explains Leah.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Sweet SUCCESS
Delicious twists on traditional favourites
Calzone CRAVING
Anything you can put on top of a pizza can go inside these air fryer Italian turnovers
Kai & kindness - ‘OUR RECIPE FOR A GOOD LIFE'
The foodie and her brother have dished up a cookbook full of comfort
Kia Ora Dame! 'I HAD A BIGGER PURPOSE'
It could have taken a toll on her, but Naida's phone greeting started a legacy
Dame Hinewehi's healing haka - 'IT'S GOING TO CHANGE LIVES'
Beating a world record is personal for the music therapy founder
Unbreakable Mamie - 'I'M READY TO FAMOUS!' BE
The TV star and model is excited about what the future holds
Below Deck detective - CAPTAIN LEE'S SEA CHANGE
The superyacht hero's family tragedy has led him to navigate scary waters
Swings & roundabouts - OWEN'S BIG KID PROJECT
Playtime's a whole lot more fun thanks to the radio host
Haunted by tragedy - KATE'S SHOCK LOSS
The star is still dealing with the death of her dad when she was aged four
Top-secret royal plan - BRINGING HARRY HOME
Disillusioned with life in the US, the prince is reaching out to friends in the UK