I recently recovered from a serious bout of anxiety and depression after losing my job, two best friends, and my "loving" coke-snorting boyfriend who called me crazy for crying about it all.

But thanks to therapy, medicine, family and a year of intense self care, I'm back in my feet. And I met someone! Our first date is coming up and I'm excited, but also terrified. I keep thinking what if I embarrass myself or get rejected again because I panic sometimes? My ex HURT me and I don't want to live through that again.