Trapped Inside an Anxious Mind and My Journey Out: from a Therapist’s Perspective.

About the Book

Growing up in a house where domestic violence occurs is terrifying. It is devastating for the victim and also for the children who witness it. I felt unsafe and alone inside my house and outside in the world most of the time. Traumatic events affect people in different ways – I struggled with fear and critical self-talk. My anxiety and nervousness later led to medicating with alcohol and desperately needing validation from others. Turning into a people-pleaser to avoid harm was not a wise thing to do. Rather than protect me, often times, it put me in regrettable situations. When this happened, I would say to myself, “How could a nice girl like me behave in such a terrible manner?” I began hating myself. I began having panic attacks when I was a teenager…I couldn’t breathe and gasped for air. Trauma produced the “perfect storm” to experience relationship problems, which included a fear of intimacy and commitment. It also produced insecurity and a huge need for connection. I believe I was born to be anxious. I think recovery is about recovering whatever has been lost through trauma, abuse, addiction or neglect.

About the Author

Sara has advanced degrees in Counselling, Psychology and Social Work. She openly shares her personal journey of experiencing trauma and the anxiety that accompanies it. Sara continues to manage her anxiety. She is a therapist and lives with her spouse in a town in Ontario, Canada.