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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 1/17/2011 11:51 PM (GMT 0)
It takes a lot for me to ask for help even here...And I have been off and on whether I should post here but this easier than what I actually have to conquer in the very near future. I guess I'll start somewhere...

I recently had gallbladder removal that lead me to miss about almost two weeks of college (took awhile diagnosising me , then waited for surgery, healing, etc) which was very unexpected since it came out of nowhere. I have been having to what I think panic attacks and aneixty to the point where it's not controllable or mangable. I was too afraid to go to my college prof and tell him why I missed class so I just didn't go. My other teachers were fine and didn't ask but this teacher kept bothering me and I got too nervous to talk to him. And everytime I walked toward the classroom I would start crying., shaking, losing breath etc, thus running to the bathrioom and not going to class. This has lead for me to have my garde as a "Z" which means it's not failing but no explation of absense. I went to counselling for a few times and no one is really helping me and then I become more withdrawn because I believe no one can help me or believe me...the people I did see said I have panic attacks and aneixty. They gave me breathing excercises which didn't work for me and wasn't expecting something so silly to help me (I know it may work for some, but I found it didn't work with me). I was then too afraid to speak with college advisor about signing up fro this semesters classes...so I have school Wednesday and no classes signed up for, I have a Z in one class, I am just freaking out and I know I need to do something cos I care about my college career!!!!!

But I don't know what to do cos I feel like my anxeity is controlling me! I have never felt this before until I attended college...and I have been having problems with ripping my hair out, to the point of losing A LOT of hair, not bald but there are some spots that are less dense...and it's ruining my hair (as a girl worst nightmare). Pulling my hair is just another sympotom...my mom ignores me and says I am crazy and that I can deal with it. She says I was pregnant with you when I was your age, you have it easy, etc etc which frustrates me more cos she was never in college and while working (I work part time as well). I know a lot of people have it worse out there too...but I don't know if it's stress or anxiety. I just don't know what to do about school, who can help me, or what I shoul;d do...

Thanks for anyone who reads and replies...

Posted 1/18/2011 12:21 AM (GMT 0)
Hello and welcome to HealingWell.

I am sorry to read of your anxiety but am wondering if you have access to a private physician that you can talk with who could help you get connected with a therapist as you truly do need help.

As for your classes, if you are not feeling well and your anxiety is maxed out you will not be retaining muchof what  you hear in class.

Do talk to someone at school, a guidance counselor or someone you can trust  and explain your situation and why you are not completing courses. 

When you find you are having trouble in class perhaps talking to your professor is better then letting him assume you are just cutting classes.  I know it is tough to talk about your anxiety but take a chance on someone understanding and trying to help you make  a plan that will help you deal with the anxiety as well as with your classes.

I wish your Mom would understand better.  Any close relative other then your Mom you could talk to ?

I wish you peace and know we are here to support you.

 

Posted 1/18/2011 12:29 AM (GMT 0)
I spoke with my primary doctor before and I tried liking her many times but as far as doctors go, I have a lot of trust issues with them. Before I had my gallbladder out, I saw her and she just told me she couldn't help me and didn't believe me...no one knows or understand how extensive my feelings are because no one believes me...or cares...or understands...I went to the ER twice sobbing about pain until they finally listened to me about something was wrong which endedup being my gallbladder.

I want to continue going to school and fix what I have done...I do understand that it would have been easier for me just to tell the prof instead of recieveing a "Z" grade. I am very SCARED NERVOUS PANIC-Y about speaking with someone at school about fixiing everything...I don't know why but these feelings come at work even...I think its authorative figures or just a lot of people in general?

The only person who understands is my very supportive boyfriend and he says go to a therapist but I am having trouble finding one...I am just very troubled by this because I feel I am not totally in scontrol of my life, my feelings, emotions, etc
Posted 1/18/2011 12:37 AM (GMT 0)
Hi U.S. and welcome. I commend you for having the courage to post here and reach out for help. You are welcome here, and surrounded by many people who understand how you feel. There have been so many young people your age who are trying to work and go to school, and are suffering from anxiety.

To the others in your situation, I have recommended this.

1-Go to your school councellor and explain that you have anxiety issues, and ask how can he/she can help get you back on track academically

2-Get back into therapy. It takes time! I did two courses of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (an extremely effective therapy for anxiety and panic disorder) It often takes 10-12 sessions to start seeing results. There is no quick fix for this, but I can guarantee it is worth the time and effort

3-See a new/another doctor and get a thorough check-up to make sure you are healthy physically, and if you think you need to, inquire about medication to use while you are starting therapy again

4-Get involved in some distracting activities. A/P will get stronger the more you focus on it. If you broaden your enjoyable recreational activities, the less oppurtunity it has of being in control

5-Check out books at the library on anxiety and panic. I read just about every book mine had on the subject and learned so much about this disorder. Knowledge is power!

You can beat this. Don't give up on the breathing/relaxation exercises either, they take practice! But you are right that these alone are not enough. Look into the other things that I mentioned.

I hope that you can get the help that you need soon, and get back to your school routine. Post anytime with questions, concerns or just sharing. We understand and are glad to help:)

Take care,
Scaredy Cat
Posted 1/18/2011 12:51 AM (GMT 0)
Okay so I know I have to speak with my advisor...but how do I explain it? I feel like they will attack me cos I don't have papers proving I have aniexty and that they think it's a lie...
Posted 1/18/2011 1:02 AM (GMT 0)
Just go for it! I would be really suprised if they didn't take you seriously. Like I said, there are so many people your age and in your situation who are also dealing with this.

Do you attend a university? If so, go see your school nurse/dr. and get a dx in writing!

Last resort, find a new family doctor. Get a book from the library and show your mother what your symptoms are, and explain the importance of finding a doctor who will take this seriously!

Stand tall and strong for yourself. Keep talking until somebody listens, and get the help that you need. (Many of us here have little or are without the support of our families, but we have each other!)

Good luck,
S.C.
Posted 1/18/2011 3:33 PM (GMT 0)
Im gonna schedule an appointment with the director of my studies tomorrow cos I guess I sent him my gallbladder removal records. Today was the day when classes start but I got stuck in snow and now my car won't start. How should I deal with the anxiety beforehand? The worst is I pysche myself out and then don't do it...

And I have really terrible medical insurance so it's hard for me to want to go a doctor when I'm already working and can barely scrape by with my bills...ugh! It's very frustrating to me...40 dollars wasted on each appointment and most of te doctors I did not connect with or liked their techniques.

I think my problem too is that I tend to think I can handle everything when I can't and then I just feel like okay I can fix it and then I even need more help...I need to stop beig so private with people...

Anyway, thanks for letting me ramble. Maybe someone has an idea that can give me a "push" towards fighting the aniexty and doing what I need to do?
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