I had my first panic attack ten years ago. I had no idea what was happening, and it took me a long time to come to terms with my condition. In January 2007, I attempted to start a new career in London - a last ditch attempt to fit into what I considered to be social convention.

Some people keep diaries, some talk to their loved ones about their concerns - I did neither. I had been feeling like a caged animal in the office for weeks, and one day reached breaking point - and walked out.

Many people go through their lives thinking that feeling anxious is normal; the fear of reprisal if they were to talk to someone hinders their recovery. I accepted at an early age that this was just in my nature, and did not think to question it.

I recently suggested to a colleague that the government should reform education policy to promote mental health awareness. He expressed concern about the stigma attached, and I accepted this. But is there really a stigma anymore? Perhaps so – and it is for this reason that it’s vital for information to be made readily available.

I never felt like I belonged, and it has taken me a long time to accept that this doesn’t matter. But human inclination is to be tribal, and so it’s a relief to find, and talk to like minded people.

I was an anxious child. I found it difficult to interact - I would try to work out what I was supposed to say, and then when I finally got the confidence to raise my voice, the moment would have passed. I worried about how I was viewed, and was convinced that everyone was okay, apart from me.

University was a breaking point. I could no longer bear to talk to my friends - any interaction was a cause for concern, and I would retire to my room and travel inward. The catalyst for me was talking, and finding out that there were others in the same boat. For those that have not suffered, it helped for them to realise the limitations that I faced.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing. Had I known that the response to speaking up would have been so positive, I would have done so earlier. “Why didn’t you tell us?”

In my eyes I was alone, or there were fellow sufferers who were keeping quiet. And there must be a reason for this. I craved normality, yet I believed that it was unobtainable. I was sure that my condition would be viewed as being weird.

The way in which my friends and family became aware of my anxiety was beyond my control - I had reached a point whereby it was visible to all. But people were supportive, and this encouraged me to open up further.

I have no regrets. Having the courage to defy the stigma has brought me comfort. I no longer feel alienated, and have made some great new friends.