Severe anxiety

[brandonnunez]

Came across this and thought I might give it a try since no one else wants to listen about my crippling anxiety and now depression. Since I turned 18 right before school started, I’ve had a downward slope of anxiety. School is my main reason why I get it. But in general I’ve realized I’ve always had it growing up. It makes me feel awkward and I lose my self confidence because of it. People look at me funny and laugh behind my back because they don’t understand that I suffer from it. I’ve tried so many solutions. As a 18 year old I don’t think it’s normal to have it this bad. For some reason I can’t even read my answer out loud in class in front of everyone without being terrified, getting jittery, and being in my head before I read a simple sentence. You can hear it in my voice how scared I am. The humiliation makes me so much worse because people go around and talk about me and I end of finding out. This is what makes me not want to be here. Obviously I shouldn’t be bothered by what people think of me. But it prevents me from making new friends. Each school year I have a smaller group of friends. While everyone is out doing something. I’m just at home wishing I can do what they do. And if they ever were to invite me, I always fuck up by feeling awkward and they notice. I tried talking to my mom about it. She just threw me in to the chiropractor. I can’t even talk to her about it without her bringing up my one my grade and her talking down on me. This just makes me feel more stressed out. I have one person in my life that makes me feel normal, makes me feel loved. She listens to everything I say. She never knows what to say at the end of the day because she could never relate. I just want to feel normal. I went from meditating, trying candles, to exercising. There’s so much more to say about this topic but at the end of the line it just makes me not want to be here no more. I get a weird feeling in my chest area and it becomes really hard to breathe. I almost cried in class and if you were to know me, I’m never like that. I just don’t know what to do anymore.

[Agora1]

Welcome to your safe zone brandonnunez....We will listen to you because we

care and we understand. High school is a difficult time socially to begin with.

Add in anxiety and depression and it can become overwhelming. But never, ever

wish you weren't here. All these feelings will pass one day. You will find yourself

and with that confidence and self esteem, look forward to the future. One day at

a time.

P.S. Why did your mom send you to a Chiropractor? I think talking with the

school social worker or a therapist will help you. We are always here for you

as well. Only a message away. x

[brandonnunez in reply to Agora1]

Simple message like this made my day.. I’ve actually have talked to a school social worker. They were just concerned about what I eat for breakfast and maybe considering eating more.

[Agora1 in reply to brandonnunez]

Hmmm Well we are very interested in listening to you and how we

can support you. As you read from others responding, know that you

are not alone. x

[Hidden]

I relate to you 100%, my family thinks that because I’m in high school it’s normal to get as anxious as I do and they just don’t understand. I haven’t been on here long but I’ve gotten such helpful messages so it’s comforting to know there are other people who suffer from the same things and want to help others. I’m always happy to listen

[brandonnunez in reply to Hidden]

I feel you!! It’s a total struggle but knowing there’s people like me with severe anxiety helps me feel better.

[Kkimm]

Hi Brandonnunez.

I want to just add my support to what others have said. You are not alone and people here understand and feel for you.

I was certainly exactly like you at 18, not an easy time. You are coping with such alot in trying to keep and retain friends as well as the huge pressure to do well educationally.

Although it is very common to feel like you do at your age noone should ever diminish how hard it feels to be going through it. Your mum will be worrying about you and about your grades as well as lots of her own worries so it is making it difficult for her to show her understanding.

You do have friends, you are coping with school so you are really doing great. You are wise enough to realise that if you can stop minding about what others think it will get a whole lot easier. It will start to get easier. I began to develop more confidence in my 20s and never looked back. I now have an anxiety condition due to life trauma but have conquered it.

You can conquer anything life throws at you.

You are much stronger than you think.

Kim

[brandonnunez in reply to Kkimm]

Thank you I’ve been taking all your guys advice today at school and it’s been better than usual!

[Brifish]

You sir are not alone! At your age most kids haven't experienced your anxiety yet...but they will. Or they have and they are to scared to show it. I too felt exactly and I mean exactly the way you feel. One thing you have to realize is there is no feeling normal. No one ever feels normal. Almost everyone suffers from something in one way, shape or form. You WILL feel better. You WILL be able to cope.

Have you been "officially" diagnosed?

Are you on meds? They help tremendously when you find the right one. Therapy or even just talking to someone who is a professional will help. This group is one of the best ways to "let it all out". You are NOT alone and as you get older you WONT believe how many people you will meet that have or had or feel the exact same way as you.

[brandonnunez in reply to Brifish]

My parents wouldn’t let me take medication for anxiety ever. They rather me use natural remedies which suck.

[brandonnunez in reply to Brifish]

I’m planning on talking to a therapist soon. Talking about it helps tremendously

[Senai]

I just want you to know that you are not alone and there are many of us that understand what you are going through because we've had our own unique battles. When I was around your age my anxiety reared its' ugly head. I had my whole life ahead of me, like you my circle of friends got smaller and smaller. I felt isolated and very alone. Back then the word "Anxiety" was brand new, so there were no support systems as we have now. Back then people like myself suffered with our anxieties in silence. My parents and family had no idea what was wrong withe me or how to help me. Their only solution was "Don't Let It Get You Down, You Have To Keep Going." I Took their advice and I am still here today. As hard as it might be you have to keeping Moving and Doing. Yes,m its' difficult, but its' the openly way you can stay on top of the anxiety. No matter how bad you feel the feelings will not harm you and they always subside when we're not totally focused on them. To me Anxiety is like a Spoiled Brat. The More Focus I Put On My Symptoms and How I Am Feeling, The More Intense The Anxiety Seems to Become. When I Ignore my Symptoms and focus on doing other activities the then the anxiety goes Away/Asleep. As nutty as it might seem you have to find a way that is most comfortable for you to out smart it. Most people develop their own way of calming themselves when they feel a sense of anxiety/fear coming on. For me I just focus my attention on doing something I enjoy. If I am out and about I focus on what's around me instead of what I am Feeling. It takes practice but it can be done. One of the most important things for you to know is You are Not Alone.. I wish you the very best.

[brandonnunez in reply to Senai]

You putting anxiety like that helps. I used this advice today at school and it’s been helpful.