Epinephrine, also referred to as adrenaline, is a hormone that is produced by the body's adrenal glands once a stressful situation presents itself. When a threat has been identified, the hormone is subsequently released in the body to prepare an individual for what is commonly known as fight or flight. In preparation, adrenaline increases a person's heart rate to allow more nutrients to go to the muscles. It also increases the acuity of the body's senses.
The feeling of wet, ceramic tile on her bare feet served to plant JJ back in the present—back in her shower. The sound of a rapid heartbeat could be heard, pulsing in her ears, above the white noise of water pattering onto the shower floor. And a peculiar metallic taste enveloped her mouth, no doubt a result of overactive stomach acid.
The blonde was acutely aware of the quivering in her legs as she worked to steady herself. She could feel and see her hand tremble as she slowly raised her arm and gripped the faucet to end the icy spray. Her effortful swallows and unsteady gasps in attempt to halt the downpour of tears could be heard above the draining water.
With an unsteady hand, JJ smoothed back her drenched hair, looking down momentarily. The sight of water rolling down her scar from the electric burn proved too much, and she found herself backing up. The blonde's back made contact with the shower wall just in time and she slid down onto the cold floor as her legs gave out. Arms then wrapped protectively around the goose bump laden legs as she wrapped her mind around what was happening. Truth be told, she already knew.
From the various psychology courses she took throughout her schooling, JJ could recall the following signs by memory: a sense of terror; a racing heart; difficulty breathing; feeling faint or dizzy; tingling or numbness in the hands. From an outside point of view, she had witnessed victims and their loved ones exhibit some of the same behaviors. She had also seen it up close and personal as she comforted Garcia. Soothing her as she dealt with the aftermath of having a bullet rip through her chest and momentarily causing her heart to stop beating.
JJ slightly shook her head as she could almost hear Spence say, "You're obviously displaying symptoms of a panic attack. A sudden surge of overwhelming anxiety and fear. It's entirely textbook." The blonde considered textbook material to be written in black and white. This however, what she was experiencing…feeling…, was anything but.
JJ's tears slowly stuttered to a stop and her breathing eventually evened out as she engaged in respiratory techniques that she had learned, once upon a time, to help calm others. The panic attack had stopped. But JJ knew deep down that it was only dormant, and that it would erupt again when least expected. The thought alone almost sent the blonde reeling into another bout of panic. She didn't have time to though as Will's voice could be heard from the bedroom, asking if she were okay and saying that she was going to be late for work. JJ didn't have time to further reflect upon the event and what it truly meant as she found herself standing, putting on her mask, and preparing for the day.
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