It seems like a silly question doesn't it? Who would want to feel anxious? Does anyone really enjoy drama in their life? Isn't life chaotic enough? Yet it does seem that for some people, drama follows wherever they go. Is it a coincidence? Or do we play a hand in creating some of our own anxiety inducing scenarios? Could it be possible that a heightened sense of stress and anxiety has some addictive properties? In this post we are going to explore some of the character traits of being a drama queen, summarize the reasons why we may invite anxiety into our life and show you how to tame the drama queen within.

You know you are a drama queen or king if...

• You keep finding yourself in relationships with people who you know are bad for your mental health. You are a woman who keeps dating the "bad boys" or you are a man who keeps going after women who are abusive.

• You enjoy trying to save or "fix" other people who you feel are damaged in some way. Or you are attracted to people who try to control or mold you to suit their desires and needs.

• You have been known to throw a tantrum or hissy fit when things don't go your way.

• You can't handle stress without reacting in some way whether it is through drinking alcohol, using drugs, binge eating, self injury or other addictive and impulsive behavior.

• You talk about your problems to anyone who will listen whether it is someone at the bus stop or the neighbor you barely know.

• If there is a pain competition you want to win. Your problems are the worst and you let people know it.

• You tend to play the role of the victim and you let people know how others have been unfair to you.

• You enjoy the latest gossip even if it is about you.

• You tend to exaggerate your problems and/or medical issues.

• When there isn't much going on in your life you look for the drama in other people's lives.

• Your friends and family have called you a drama queen.

How are drama queens created?

Before you go wagging your finger to point out someone you know who you feel is a drama addict, I contend that most of us have a little bit of drama queen in us. Who hasn't over-reacted, felt like a victim, or been in a relationship we know is bad for us? The problem is when we keep finding ourselves in the same situations which cause us and others anxiety.

Here are some possible reasons why you may be more "dramatic" than others.

• You may not have had good role models growing up on how to respond to life's challenges.

• You may have seen a lot of drama in your parent's relationship and grew up thinking that this is normal behavior.

• You may be what is known as a highly sensitive person and you may react with greater emotional intensity to perceived hurts and slights.

• Your mood disorder may cause great fluctuations in your mood and how you respond to stress.