As a personal development trainer specializing in anxiety issues, and a former sufferer of

extreme anxiety and panic attacks, I can assure you the above statement is true-I've been there. I spent years of my life searching in desperation for an anxiety cure that was effective and would last.

Like many people, I tried the medical route: I was prescribed anti-anxiety medications that doctors assured me would provide a "real" anxiety cure with no severe side-effects or withdrawal symptoms...at least that's what I was told.

Fast forward two years: I had gained 50 pounds, I suffered with chronic heartburn, fatigue, memory loss (my friends began calling me "Mr Short-Term Memory") and sexual "dysfunction" (don't even ask). My relationship was in ruins and I was barely able to function at my job.

And the worst part? My anxiety and panic attacks were still there!

Here's what the medical community and drug manufacturers don't really want you to know: anti-anxiety medications are completely ineffective for most people as an anxiety cure. The best anti-anxiety medications available have success rates that are only slightly higher than a placebo (that's right, a regular sugar pill).

And when you factor in severe side effects like I had, and withdrawal symptoms, it's easy to see why these medications aren't really a good idea for many people.

Now, I'm not saying there's a conspiracy going on (exactly), but I am saying that there is a ton of money to be made by keeping this information quiet. And that's exactly what the big corporations do. Which is great news if you are a stock holder, but terrible news if you are desperately seeking an anxiety cure, as I was for so many years.

So if medication is not the answer, what is?

A "real" anxiety cure must be sustainable, not a quick fix that makes your life progressively worse over time, creating a type of addiction that keeps sufferers feeling like helpless victims. A "real" anxiety cure is all about empowerment-taking back control over your life.

There is no "quick fix" for an anxiety problem. The only real and lasting cure is in dealing with the issue personally, taking full responsibility for it, and refusing to be a victim that waits for someone "out there" to come and "fix" your life. Because the truth is, no one ever will.

"You will overcome your anxiety problem--no one else will do it for you."

Of course there are resources out there that can help you along the way and even coaching programs to guide you step-by-step, but you must make the first big step right now, and that is to take 100% responsibility for your situation. This is not about blaming yourself--it's about taking your power back.

Don't believe the hype folks. The cure for anxiety is not to be found in a pill. I cured my anxiety and panic attacks years ago by following a number of simple techniques, but the very first step along the way, was to understand that "I" was entirely responsible for my anxiety situation, and only "I" could overcome it.

The sooner you take responsibility and recognize your role in the anxiety--the sooner you'll take back control of your life.