Hey All,

Figure I'd stop in and introduce myself. My Name is Stefan and I've been dealing with anxiety for quite a few years now. It happened to me on and off as a teenager, mostly due to the pot I smoked and went away once I quit smoking. It re-surfaced as a full blown panic attack in the Fall of 2010 and has been with me ever since. That initial attack really shook me up and made me really take a look at all things around me because I knew something wasn't right.

Fast forward to last year when I started seeing a psychologist to get help with my anxiety. She's really good and it's really good talking to her. My problem is once I start getting better I forget all about my exercises and eventually anxiety will come back. I feel that my biggest problem right now is my thinking. I'm a constant thinker and feel the need to analyze everything big or small! Recently I've found myself always constantly thinking "what if...." and I know I need to change my way of thinking once and for all.

Can't say that I know what the cause of my anxiety is but I know some contributing factors. I had a great childhood aside from my parents divorce, abusive father, which is why I have a fear for violence, arguments, & yelling. It just makes me uncomfortable and I try to avoid getting into an argument with someone if not necessary. I'm also a bit self conscious and a people pleaser but I'm working on getting better!

Let me be the first to say that for me medication is not an option, I was and never will be a fan of medication in general. I know it helps but I see it as an absolute LAST RESORT. I am currently working full time, going to school part time but hit the gym twice a week and eat as healthy as i can, with an occasional cheat meal once or twice! I've only been exercising for about a month now but definitely see some benefits since I've started, I only hope those benefits will continue to improve.

With the help of Paul and others I hope to find coping skills that will help me conquer & change my negative thought patterns. I also hope I can share my experiences with others!