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Teenager with anxiety

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 1/3/2016 5:44 PM (GMT 0)
Just to give you a brief background of me...I'm 16,male and live in US. I've had depression since 11 when my parents got divorced but Zoloft kept it under control well and only had sad periods every once in a while. I had sleeping problems for probably 2 years (11-13) and got meds for it. Fast forward to August 2015 and I came to school one day and got a bad stomach ache. I had my dad pick me up and I went home...I think that's where the anxiety started. It was never a symptom from my parents divorce. I still struggle getting through school now and it's very hard for me and I don't know what I'm worried about. I get anxiety thinking about going, I mainly get it thinking about going somewhere I don't feel comfortable/safe in. I tried cymbalta but it didn't help so now I'm on Prozac 20mg and Wellbutrin 300mg.

I'm not telling any of my friends because I don't want the school knowing and only parents, brother, and close relatives know about me. I started driving less than a week ago too. All this change is just to much I feel like life's going to quick for me and I'm not ready to move on yet because I don't know if I can.

These past few days I've woken up with a racing heart again and am anxious right when I open my eyes. I also have times for probably an hour or more where I feel like I'm going crazy and I have all these thoughts rushing through my head and I feel like I'm in a nightmare just waiting to wake up. I don't know how much more of this I can take... School is like hell on earth for me because I feel so anxious there constantly and nothing there has changed to cause it. I'm not sure what I'm even asking...

I guess if anyone could give me tips, advice, has experienced this before and what you did to get through it. I want to say I had a happy child hood but these past 5 years have been rough and I don't think I can go on living my life like this.
Posted 1/3/2016 5:58 PM (GMT 0)
Hey parker,

I had a lot of anxiety as a teen. I look back on all of the days and fun that passed me because I was too nervous, didn't have confidence, focused on my anxiety and not school. Do you have a school counselor you can talk to? Or a teacher that can work with you? First I'll say focus on your studies bc that will get you SO far after high school.

I wish I had gone to one to help me through these issues, but didn't know that was even an option. Go talk to someone regularly, once a week or twice a week (and it's at school so it's free!). Get your confidence up and that will make help you become a more independent, a more confident person with friends, in social settings, in school settings, and in life!

Medication can help somewhat, but it'll be double helpful to have someone talk you through these emotions. There are a ton of workbooks too.

I have also heard that learning to speak well amd confidently can help in situations where you have anxiety. There are a ton of you tube videos on learning to speak with confidence.

Post Edited (sunnyday009) : 1/3/2016 11:03:04 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 1/3/2016 6:02 PM (GMT 0)
The staff kinda knows about me and there is a counselor there but I don't have time at school to stop by plus she's not there all the time. Academics doesn't give me any anxiety just going to school and knowing I have to put a fake smile on my face and secretly feeling like I'm about to have a panic attack but still act like everything's normal is the hard part. I just don't feel like myself in those places almost like depersonalization but not quite like that
Posted 1/3/2016 6:05 PM (GMT 0)
What abt after school? Or a teacher you can confide in? We had some awesome teachers at my high school, not even my teachers, just teachers that cared abt students. They were always willing to chat at lunch or during breaks with those that were struggling. They'd even give out their phone number if you needed to call them to talk. I has some great teachers like this in college, too.
Posted 1/3/2016 6:53 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Parker,

Just a quick note to tell you there are ways to cope. I'll reply more later, can't right now, just wanted you to know that there's hope.
Posted 1/3/2016 8:18 PM (GMT 0)
Ditto what Sunny said. I too "missed out" on highschool & college for that matter due to my anxiety. You need to talk to someone about it and let it out. Holding it inside will only make it worse. Anxiety is nothing to be ashamed about. I'm very open about mine just because it takes up too much energy to try and hide it, but I get that, as a teen, things are different.

It's 'just' anxiety. It's just too much cortisol & adrenaline running through your system. It can't hurt you. You are not going crazy.

Are you into sports? Or have any other interests? Something for you to have fun with in a social setting, something to look forward to?

It does get better. I too had thoughts of 'I can't live like this', but I have, and I'm glad for it.

Only through darkness can you truly appreciate the light.
Posted 1/3/2016 11:00 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Parker and welcome!

I am really sorry to hear about the anxiety and how it is currently affecting you.:( We understand the struggle, so know that you are among friends here who 'get it.'

I do second the recommendation of counseling/therapy to round out your treatment along with the meds. Medication can only do so much...and for moments of breakthrough anxiety...you will want tools to help you get through the rough spots.

If you're currently not seeing someone, I recommend asking your parents and/or doctor to help you find a good therapist who can take you through CBT or other anxiety management learning program.

This may seem overwhelming with all the other things you are striving to manage atm...but I know you will not regret taking this step once you start to see the benefits of this treatment option.

For now, have a look into our Resources at the top of the main page. We have self help links for just about any issue you would need to address within the anxiety spectrum. If panic attack are the most challenging, we have help for this...or depersonalization/realization...and more. (if you need to post specific help for any particular issue...just let me know!)

Having some tools with you while you are in school can help you to feel more confident, and not battle that anticipatory anxiety...since you know you are equipped with help!

Finally, keep posting here with us. Support is key...and I can't tell you how much just being part of this community has helped me along in my recovery!

Talk soon,

S.C
Posted 1/4/2016 3:56 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you all so much
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