Help? Please?

[Guest]

I'm not sure how long I have had my anxiety, I would have to say since I was about 8 or so I am now 18. My anxiety has been at its worst for almost over a year now. I'm aware I do have Social Phobia, I have been told by a doctor but have yet to get any help for it. It took me 3 years to just get up the nerves to say "okay, I'm going to tell my doctor" that was one the hardest thing, even my parents weren't aware of me having anxiety problems because I even fear talking to them. Every single day is a HUGE struggle for me. I've been having panic attacks a lot more often then I normally do. I would say one every 1-2 weeks. I'm so scared of everything. Everything is ALWAYS a "what-if" question in my head. I've been told many times that it's just something that I'm going to have to over come, but I don't think I can do it. Just thinking about my anxiety brings me to tears. I hate feeling this way, and I hate being trapped inside my body. Full of so much fear, discomfort, and being scared to do anything. I did start going to a psychologist...well only was session. My doctor wanted to meet with my mother after she had found out my mom is an alcoholic, and for some reason my mom wouldn't meet with her thus I have never returned to the doctor. I don't know how to tell my parents I need to go talk to someone. Something needs to be done about this. I can't go on feeling like this every single day, it's ripping me apart. Does anyone have any advice for me?


Sorry this is kind of all jumbled together, my mind is in a million places right now & I can't seem to stay in one thought.

 

[Guest]

Your story is very common. There are many things you can do right away.


First, contact the psychologist you already saw. If you did not like them, contact another. Get your doctor and psychologist working together to help with your disorder. Two heads are better than one in this case.


Second, tell your doctor that your mother is not willing to meet with her and move on without going down that avenue. There are meds that will help stop the panic attacks almost immediately, talk to your doctor about those.


Third, start practicing stress lowering techniques. You can click on my name to see some things you can do immediately to lower your stress level.


Many of us here have had anxiety/panic disorder since we were children, we understand. Once I got my doctor and therapist on the same page, my recovery moved in a positive direction. Don't be afraid to open up with your doctor and therapist. They have seen this many times. And do not listen to those who say "that it's just something that I'm going to have to over come". You will "overcome" is soon enough, but it takes some real changes in the way you deal with stress. These "new ways to think" are learned and a therapist can help you with that.


Finally, my mother was also an alcoholic. Many folks who have anxiety/depression/OCD problems turn to alcohol to "fix" them. My mother and her entire family suffered with depression and drank to "feel better". They all died young from alcohol related problems. Don't blame your mother for the road she has chosen, but also try not to go down that same road. I take daily medication (Lexapro 5mg/day) to help me lower my daily anxiety level to one that is more normal so that I can live a normal life. I have been on these drugs for about 20 years and I can tell you that according to my latest liver test, my liver is doing quite well. Certainly much better than if I had become a 24/7 alcoholic.


Find help, accept help, work at feeling better. You will get better.

 

[Guest]

i completely feel you. especially all of the "what if" thinking. everyday is just a huge "what if" for me. even if all of my friends are out doing something i just think "whats the point im not going to enjoy myself". its so depressing. all i can give for advice is that keeping a positive mood is so helpful. its more than half the battle. just trying not to let it get to you, because all we can really do is try. we didnt ask for this so we just gotta keep on keepin on. ive come to find out bad things happen to good people and we have to get through it. just know there are people out there like you and we feel for each other. do what mike said he seemed to really hit the nail on the head. im sure everything will work out for you. you seem like you really deserve it and i believe people get what they deserve. just remember the show must go on.

 

[Guest]

Thank you both for all of your advice. It really means a lot to me. I guess I failed to mention one thing, and that is my family doesn't have health insurance. So I'm not capable of going to any doctors at the moment. Are there any kind of group things out there for Anxiety? Are there health clinics that will help you out for a small amount of money?


Dusty- You are completely right. The only way to get through each day is to try and stay positive and I've been doing my best. I'm just searching for that extra help that I feel will go a long way for me.

 

[Guest]

i feel ya on that. sometimes it all gets so overwhelming its hard to stay positive. hit me up on here if your ever having trouble.