I struggled with anxiety and panic attacks for 12 years. Of course, like most people with anxiety, I didn’t know what it was for a long time. I thought I was dying, or having a heart attack, had a disease or cancer. I never felt right and often felt fatigued. Life was a walking nightmare and I didn’t understand what was happening to me.

I thought I was happy. I love to laugh and experience life to the fullest. I always steer away from negative people, negative experiences (like horror films) and stressful environments. So how was it that I would end up with anxiety and panic attacks?

It’s a good question. The answer has to do with a volitile combination of perfectionism, guilt and regret about the past and an uncertain feeling about the future combined with negative, critical, self-talk. These are the causes of anxiety and panic attacks even if you are a happy go lucky person who focuses on the good things in life. [Read more...]