Possible GAD? Suggestions on Seeing a Doctor?

Recently, I have come to terms with the fact that I may have an anxiety disorder and I would like to consult my doctor regarding an officially diagnosis.
I am 20-years-old. I have always been a very nervous person, even as a young kid. My test anxiety is through the roof. I am always super early places. I get nervous over stupid little things. I feel like I'm always on edge and I get frustrated easily. My school work is becoming much more demanding and cannot help to feel completely overwhelmed and incompetent. I know that my peers are stressed, but I know my degree of anxiousness is not normal.
I have physical symptoms of anxiety often too - racing heart, high BP, and sweaty hands. When it is really bad, it affects my GI tract - I will get stomachaches and even diarrhea. I always worry about what people will think about me. I get nervous speaking in class and being put on the spot. I don't like attention on me. I know my doctor sees it too as I am always very nervous during appointments.
I know that you guys obviously are unable to diagnosis, but do my symptoms seem consistent with an anxiety disorder? Also, does anyone have any suggestions as to how to bring this up to my parents? My parents and I are not super close, not in a bad way, we just do not talk about feelings. I know that I theoretically do not need to tell them, but I do not want there to be an secrets and I would feel too guilty. I am nervous to mention it, and I feel awkward and embarrassed. All help is hugely appreciated.

Hope you guys all have a great day :)

Hi!

Like SC said, everyone has anxiety. We are just more sensitive than others. Anxiety is just a learned pattern of behavior (yes there may be a genetic component), so it IS possible to unlearn. It'll take work and time, but you are ok, it just "feels" bad, it can't hurt you.

You seem to have laid out everything pretty clear in your post, just tell them what you told us.

There's a book that I recommend called the anxiety & phobia workbook that is a great starting point. It'll help you understand what anxiety is & give you tools to help cope.

This blog was also a big wake up call to me, none of the ideas were 'new' but sometimes you have to hear something over & over again until it clicks: http://www.calmandcourageous.com

Be well, I'm sorry you have to deal with this, it stinks.

You've taken an important first step by admitting there's something that's not serving you. There are tons of resources out there to help you cope with stress. You are lucky that you can do the work at 20 and not wait any longer. Try to be gentle with yourself. No need to judge being anxious, you didn't ask for this, nobody deserves this. You would't judge your best friend for going through a rough time.

My therapist once told me that she believed I'd be in an even better place after I went through the anxiety than I was before. I thought she was absolutely crazy at the time. But now I completly believe her. Having anxiety forced me to be more compassionate with myself and others, showed me how to slow down and let go of things that are just not that important and also allowed me to be a better mother because I fully understand how my unnecessary stress and anxiety can affect my kids, and they don't deserve that.

The more open you are about it, the more you will realize how many others are struggling just like you. Being closeted only makes it feel shameful, and you have nothing to be ashamed of.

Do you currently use any coping or self soothing techniques?

Yay for me time :) Give yourself some credit for knowing you need a break and taking that time. Many of us get stuck on "busy".

Do you find that you're anxiety settles a bit when you're baking?

Someone else's experience or their ability to handle stress has no baring on you and your ability. Dr's have seen WAY more embarrassing things than anxiety, just watch Bizarre ER and you'll feel like the most normal chick out there :) Adding shame and embarrassment to an already emotionally charged condition just makes things worse. Try not to judge the anxiety or yourself for having it, it's nothing to be embarrassed about. The power is in doing something about it and not feeling bad about feeling bad.

Google celebrities w anxiety or depression and you'll find LOADS of successful people who struggle.

I'm completely open and "out" when it come to my anxiety, that way I don't have to worry about people finding out :) If they have a problem w it, screw em. Everyone has their struggles, don't for a second think you're the only one.

meganec17 - I also found it a bit intimidating the first time I talked with my doc about anxiety. But to him, it was not a big deal at all -- just like any other medical issue. I found that a relief.

It is really good that you are addressing this now. You can deal with it and put it behind you, so that it does not have too much impact on you in the future. People who face their anxiety and deal with it tend to do much better than those who ignore it and try to pretend it does not exist....