Hi,im 16 and have suffered with an anxiety disorder for a long time now.I have panic attacks and cannot easily leave the house to go anywhere.I seem to get more anxious in public,and cannot stay out for long,at the moment i have not been out on my own for weeks,not even to catch a bus,i often feel depressed and scared for my future,it feels as if there is no hope.I am on anti depressants,but even they arent helping.I just feel so fed up and alone,im due to start college in september and im so worried that i will not be able to do it,i desperatley want to overcome this but every step is so challenging,i give up.Ive recently given up self harming,which is a good achievement,but i am still haunted by anorexic thoughts.I suffered with an eating disorder for 2 years before i had help.But even that wont go away.I am such a failure.
Hi Mica...
You sound pretty down. Are you seeing a professional health care person?. If so tell them the medications are not working. I know that this will be extemely hard to do. But if you can do it., do it.
I am a 50 year old lady with anxiety attacks. I have only recently had them and before I had them I did not realize how bad it was to have something wrong in your head. Nobody can see the pain and feel those feelings... like a broken leg or something. Also you are up against people who will not sympathize as much as if they could see what you are suffering from.
From your profile I see you read ... I'm guessing a lot. Avoid any sad stories... which I know is hard to do. Read PG Wodehouse (its wierd and really old stuff) or ask librarian for recommendations. Try anything to keep your mind off depressing thoughts.
You are not a failure.
You are unlucky to have got either a genetic problem, Wierd virus that may have affected your brain or just plain anything. Doctors don't know everything.
Being 16 is tough also. I remember it and remember I was expected to look after my sisters and Dad when my Mom went to work. Also I had friends who seemed to have loads of boyfriends.
Good luck. May you be happy, may you be well.
Ritam
Hi, I have social anxiety, I'm 26, and it's not easy! I been doing stuff more lately, where I isolated myself before. What I can tell so far is that AVOIDING situations is not the answer, although putting urself through extreme stress by NOT avoiding is not a good confirmation for ur self-esteme either. You would best seek controlled environments and situations, and know that you are not alone. The more you give it mind-space, the worse, I think. I tend to worry I'll start worrying about stuff again, and that is a guaranty to start a cycle again. Still seek to break that pattern. So that's about me and some for u.
