I was like that for the longest time. I wanted something, but I felt I didn't deserve it, so I bought things ONLY for the rest of the family. And then I felt bad, because I really wanted whatever it was that I didn't get. And it really wasn't because we couldn't afford it -- I just felt I didn't deserve it, even though I worked my fanny off for the family.

But like you said -- when I'd get to the check-out, I'd get HIT with this awful anxiety to the point where I'd almost pass out!!! It would start to get dark, and I'd have to hang onto to the counter, for fear of fainting! It was just awful.

Then my husband said something to me -- he said to ask myself when this happened: "What's the WORST that could happen?" So I tried it when I went to the store again. I asked myself "What's the worst that could happen?" And I thought about it, and the worst would be that I'd faint, they'd call an ambulance, and I'd go to the hospital and they'd just find that I'd fainted. Big deal. What's so bad about that??? If THAT'S the worst that could happen, I can handle that!!! It would be a pain in the butt, but I can handle it. And maybe they'd give me something to stop the panic attacks too!

So the next time I went to the store, guess what? I did NOT have a panic attack!!! Who would have thought? All I had to do was think it thru, from start to finish -- and boom, no more panic attacks. I'm not saying I NEVER had anymore, but they were fewer and farther between!!! As long as I remembered that saying "What's the worst that could happen" it kept me from panicking.

Maybe it will help you too if you think it all the way through. God bless & please take care. Hugs, Lee