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Should I see someone?

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Posted 9/14/2015 10:16 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone,
I've been feeling different for a couple of years now, and was wondering if my symptoms are depression/anxiety related and if I should seek professional help. My symptoms are:

* Hyperventilation with accompanied by feelings of doom (always at night when I am alone, sometimes i end up stumbling out of bed with blurry vision thinking that I'm going to die)
* Irritability/Loneliness to the point where I have to cry or sleep it off
* Stress (usually about school)
* Fatigue
* Lack of motivation
* Headaches

I would experience any one of these at least once a week, although it's been a month or two since I've hyperventilated (is this a panic attack?)

The thing is, though, I don't experience these symptoms all the time, (it gets worse around exam time at school and during the holidays) so I'm not sure if this is just being a teenager, or if there's something wrong.

Thanks,
Natalia
Posted 9/14/2015 10:21 PM (GMT 0)
Natalia,

Being a teenager is a confusing time in itself. Your body is changing and there's all this other stuff going on, too.

School causes a whole different kind of stress that is incredibly unpleasant and difficult to deal with. Are you studying something that interests you?

I feel you should maybe talk to someone, at least for a session or two. There are coping mechanisms for handling anxiety and also medication if it comes to that.
Posted 9/14/2015 11:28 PM (GMT 0)
Hi NT and welcome!

I am sorry that you are currently experiencing these uncomfortable symptoms. I know how this feels, and it is not fun to say the least!

I agree about talking with someone about your experiences. Have you let your parents know? If so, have you seen your doctor...as this is usually the best place to start. If it is hard to start a conversation with your folks, how about another trusted adult, like your school counselor, or your pastor/youth leader?

It is great that you have reached out here as well! We understand, and it is helpful to have friends here in a community that you can talk to anytime you need some encouragement.

Until you can get in to talk to a health care professional...here are some links for calm and relaxation techniques that are really helpful. Practice the suggested coping skills, and they should make a big difference in how you feel.:)

Self Help sites with breathing/relaxation exercises instructions

Panic attack relief exercises:

 

http://www.moodjuice.scot.nhs.uk/panic.asp

http://www.healthcentral.com/anxiety/c/73076/34334/breathing-lessons/

http://www.healthyplace.com/

http://www.stress-relief-exercises.com/

http://www.ehow.com/video_4405003_breathing-exercises-panic-attacks.html

http://www.psybersquare.com/anxiety/panic_relax_I



Keep talking with us as well. We care and are here to listen anytime.:)

Scaredy Cat

Posted 9/15/2015 7:15 AM (GMT 0)
Thankyou all so much!

I'm not sure about approaching my parents about it, I know there's a history of mental illness, but it's depression, not anxiety, so I don't know how they'd take it :/
My school counsellor is a bit iffy, there's weird policies at my school about who she can tell in her counselling sessions (pretty much any of the staff), and I don't really want my teachers to know as they're not very discrete.

I do have a youth leader I can talk to, I think it's just mustering up the courage to talk to her, now. She's good friends with my mum, too, so hopefully I can tell her, then my parents.

I love school, fortunately, but my symptoms always spike during exam time, probably because I grew up as a 'gifted' child and I like doing well.

Thankyou all so much for your responses, and I'll definitely check out those links :)
Natalia
Posted 9/15/2015 8:09 AM (GMT 0)
Hi & welcome

You have received some good input above and do have a look at the links SC has given you as they are good ones.

I would say that you need to go and speak with your doctor which can be anxiety provoking but they will be able to best advice you.

Stay with us and keep posting

Hibee
Posted 9/15/2015 11:10 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Hibee,
That's definitely the way I've got to go, I've just got to push over my nerves and say something.

Sometimes I wish I had a car and money so I could visit a doctor and get help before I had to tell anyone :(

Did you all have issues telling people about what you were experiencing? How did you overcome them?

Natalia
Posted 9/15/2015 3:36 PM (GMT 0)
NT,

I believe that part of the anxiety burden is the fact that we feel embarassed or somehow ashamed of it.

However, this is simply a health issue like any other! If you were struggling with a physical concern, would you hesitate to talk to your folks and set up an appointment to get checked out? Probably not, right?

This is no different! :)

It is a tough step to take, still...and I understand...but encourage you in doing so.

...and yes, start checking out the self help link...they are really effective, given practice and time!

High fives, and keep posting! ;)

S.C.
Posted 9/15/2015 8:51 PM (GMT 0)
SC,
That's so true! I've recently been nagging my mum to get a podiatrist appointment, and yet I can't ask her to see a doctor about this :/
I think I'm just a bit worried that she won't take me seriously; she knows I get stressed about school, but she doesn't know about the panicking. Also, last time I talked to her about anxiety/stress, I cried like a baby. I don't really want to do that again.

Also, I've been having a couple of good days (8's and 9's out of 10) so I'm kind of hoping everything will go away, especially because school is nearly over. But then I know in the holidays I'm just going to get irritable and sad again. Ugh.

Natalia
Posted 9/15/2015 10:18 PM (GMT 0)
Natalia,

Your parents should want what's best for you. Maybe they can even help themselves. If I had children, I would want to know when something is wrong. Your heath is to a degree a mutual responsibility between you and them. Unfortunately, much of this kind of thing is hereditary. It isn't anything that is your fault and it is nothing to be ashamed of.

As you get older, you'll learn that it's always something and it always will be, many things we can control and many things we can't. It's how we deal with those things that matter because they will inevitably come. I don't say this to alarm you, but it's a fact of life. People you see that always seem to be happy and smiling probably are simply putting on a façade. No one REALLY has it all together. Again, it's how we deal with the obstacles placed in front of us.
Posted 9/16/2015 7:43 AM (GMT 0)
I DID IT! I TOLD MY MUM!

Granted, she was busy at the time and said she'd talk to me about it later, but she looked concerned and asked me about panic attacks, which sounds promising.

I'm nervous about what she's going to say later though ://

Natalia
Posted 9/16/2015 8:13 AM (GMT 0)
Hi NT

Well done on telling your Mum that is a great step to have taken i'm sure your mum will provide you with lots of support.

Keep us posted.

Hibee
Posted 9/16/2015 9:43 AM (GMT 0)
Okay, so I just came out from a really long talk with my mum. We decided that I don't need to see a doctor at this point, but may take that step if my condition worsens. We agree that school is a big stressor (work in addition to issues with my friends, which I hadn't initially considered) and that after school, I am going to tell her about my day, with things that made me angry, anxious, and happy.

I had a good cry, too, which I needed.

Thank you all so much for your support. Honestly, I would never have spoken to anyone if it wasn't for you all and would have probably just locked myself in my room. You guys are all so supportive and genuine, and I wish you all good health and happiness.

This isn't the end of the road, and you'll probably hear from me again, but I just wanted to thank you all for the time you've given me :) <3
Posted 9/16/2015 3:12 PM (GMT 0)
NT,

I love a happy ending!! :) :) :)

This is GREAT news! I am so glad that your mom was supportive and open!

Talking about your stressors with her, working the self help available here...and posting with us here when needed...will all help you to decompress, and feel much better I am sure.

Then, if you need to take the next step, you can...

....but I bet facing/acknowledging the fears, and talking to your mom about them, has been a huge step in the right direction!

Here for you anytime.:)

S.C.
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