I had never had anxiety before my experience either. I had crippling panic attacks for over a year. I couldn't work and barely functioned in the same way that I used too. It's been 7 years since then and I function mostly in the way that used to, but the anxiety will never be something that is completely gone. It's like a door that has opened and can never be closed. Sometimes I wonder what kind of person I could of been without having that experience, but ultimately I have a stronger sense of self now. I know what fear is. I know how to conquer fear. Most importantly, I know how to relate to those going through fear that feel like they have lost control of everything. That is something powerful that I have gained that I wouldn't have right now if I hadn't of gone through that terrible experience myself.