The first one happened on live TV when she was 26 years old.
Like many times before, she stood in front of the camera, ready to go on air.
But this time, her mind zeroed in on one thought: What if I screw this up?
Photo courtesy of Robin Meade
I refer to it as the thought that ate me.
I couldnt breathe, says Meade.
This wasnt a one-off.
Courtesy of Robin Meade
People struggling with anxiety often describe their thoughts feeling out of control, with catastrophic thinking.
While more public-facing than most people, Meades not alone in her struggles with anxiety.
She has since written about her experience in the bestselling book, Morning Sunshine!
and is now the longest-running anchor at a national morning TV news program.
We sat down with Meade to learn more about her mental health journey.
Heres what she had to say.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Verywell Mind:How were you affected by your first panic attack?
Robin Meade:I can laugh about it now, but it was so demoralizing for me.
It made me think I was crazy.
This was before anybody talked about anxiety attacks or panic disorders.
I defined myself as an on-air news anchor broadcaster.
This was what I got educated to do, and here I was about to lose it.
My brain went from zero to 60 in a matter of seconds.
Verwell Mind:When did you decide to get help?
My doctor said he could send me to a psychologist, but I was very resistant to that.
He told me I had to talk to her, and that she was coming over right now.
Thats when the s hit the fan.
Isnt it strange how anxiety feeds upon itself?
I did end up meeting with her and she was able to help me identify what was going on.
And for the past 20 years, I’ve talked with her every three weeks on Sunday mornings.
People ask me why I keep going, even though I dont have panic attacks anymore.
But I’ve learned to look at therapy as the ultimate self-care.
The result can be a better understanding of yourself and your journey.
Verywell Mind:What did therapy teach you about your anxiety?
The panic attacks were about whether I was perfect enough to be this news anchor.
If they told me red lipstick wasnt my thing, I would ban it.
If they said my laugh was a little bit distracting, I would never laugh again.
That gave them permission to stop coming.
Verywell Mind:What techniques have you found to be most effective at calming your anxiety?
Robin Meade:I attempt to stay in the present.
One way to do that is to be grateful.
It forces you to look around and think about what youre thankful for right now.
Im thankful for my red Nikes that I have on right now, and that Im comfortable standing here.
Drawing mandalasquiets my brain and helps me tap into stillness in a way I could not do with meditation.
It makes me tune into myself.
People talk about how great meditation is for their mental wellbeing and creativity.
I try it, but all I hear is my own voice thinking and speaking to myself.
Courtesy of Robin Meade
But Ive found another way to tap into the stillnessdrawing mandalas.
They come from Buddhism, and they can be helpful for anxiety.
It makes me tune into myself.
Verywell Mind:Youve done so much with your career.
What advice can share about striking a balance between pursuing your goals and taking care of yourself?
Robin Meade:When I defined myself in one wayas a journalistthat was what my entire life was.
At any given time, you’re going to be giving more to one area of your life.
you could’t be expected to be completely balanced in all of those things.
Verywell Mind:Whats the top thing you hope people can learn from reading about your mental health journey?
But its important to remember that we all have challenges, and most of them are within ourselves.
What This Means For You
Have anxiety or panic attacks made an impact on your career?
Years of therapy have helped her uncover the root of her anxiety and find ways to cope with it.
Drawing mandalas and practicing gratitude help still her mind and keep her in the present moment.
Anxiety & Depression Association of America.Facts & Statistics.
