Anxiety Ruining Me

I'm 15, a sophomore in high school and I feel like my anxiety is eating me alive. It started over a year ago after two panic attacks from a stressful week and never really went away. Ever since then I've just dealt with it. Throughout the day, everyday I feel my heart race, my throat close and I have trouble breathing. Lately, though, I've had several panic attacks in the past few months and it's been especially bothering me recently. I haven't hung out with my friends outside of school in ages. I get overwhelmed by every day tasks, like homework, cleaning my room or just dealing with my responsibilities. It's been affecting my grades this semester and I feel like I can't do anything to fix how I've been functioning. Its been changing who I am. I'm very irritable, I never have energy, and I've been really really emotionally unstable these past few months. I haven't gone to a therapist or any mental health institution out of fear that they'll think I'm overreacting or that my parents will think less of me. I know my parents love me, I just feel like they'd invalidate my issues. I've only really talked to my sister and close friends about it. I feel like I've let this get too far and I really need help now.

Hi Karla and welcome!

I am so sorry to hear that you have suffered for so long!

First of all, no one should see you as any different for acknowleding your challenges and seeking help. Everyone has some kind of issue that they need help managing...and anxiety just happens to be yours. Reaching out actually shoes tremendous strength!

If you feel you really can't talk to your parents...do you have another trusted adult you can go to? A school counselor/teacher, youth leader or pastor?

Are you due for a check up soon? This could be something you bring up to your doctor as well.

For now, please see our Resources at the top of the main forum page here for great material to work with right away. The suggested exercises for stress management and dealing with panic attacks will get you started in a good direction.

Keep posting with us as well if you find it helpful. We understand, care and support is key!

Talk soon,

Scaredy Cat