How can I convince my parents to let me take a gap year?

[Ioana7012]

First of all i have pretty bad anxiety. I've just finished highschool and i bearly made it through my exams as i had a panic attack during one of them and had to take pills to calm myself down. I am not really sure about what career i want and im scared of failure. I came to the conclusion that anxiety is my biggest issue and a gap year would let me control that. I want to push myself in that gap year and overcome my fears. But i have to convince my parents to let me stay home as i have no income to live on my own and no other support. They are kind of old fashioned and think that if I don't go to college i will fail at everything. I am terrified to go and i honestly don't think i can handle all the pressure right now. Any advice on how to approach the subject and convince them to at least think about it?

[Hidden]

Talk to them and see if they will let you work for a year to figure out what type of career field you want to go into. I remember how scary it was to be a senior trying to figure out what you want to do with your life. I hope you start to feel better. My so graduated in 20-7 and he felt apprehensive too. So you are not alone in the way you feel.

[sweetiepye]

I'm afraid I disagree with your reasoning for taking a year off. I think when you have anxiety you are better off in a structured environment and accountable for your days. Giving in to your anxiety sets up a precedent that is difficult to overcome and allows you tp manipulate people . I have gone to college while I had anxiety and it can be done , and I think it helps you overcome it faster. For your first 2 years just take general subjects. Taking a year off gives your anxiety too much control over your life. Pam

[b1b1b1 in reply to sweetiepye]

I agree with you. I was going to say exactly the same thing, but hesitated, so am glad you said it.!