if anyones outthere at 3:20am

(warning long rant post)

I hate to just sit and rant about my problems to people, but i kind of need some support right now. I have always been a "worryer" since i was prolly about 4, but in the past few years its gotten worse. And tonight i just realized how bad it really has gotten. My every day life is effected by my anxiaties. I never feel "right" something is always worrying me, and if im not worried i need to find something to worry about. Over the years i have had fears of Fires, tornadoes, Chocking( nearly crying if i saw someone eating hard candy, or heard a person cough) , my parents driving (it got so bad that every time they would go somewhere i would have to tell them to drive safely 15-20 times before they left) Fear of not being religious enough ( i would force myself to read the bible everynight...when i was 11, i would stay up late, falling alseep while reading) Fear of being gay, chlostrophobia, OCD, germaphobe. hypochondriac (thats what started tonights realization.... i knew i didnt but thought i have a blood clot, because my leg hurt a little bit. causeing a panic attack...im 16!!!!) And those are just to name a few. I try to stay calm about things but its getting harder and harder, i dont remember the last time i relaxed. Infact i dont remember much of anything anymore because of always being stressed. Im finding myself more and more depressed. And im only 16, this shouldnt be happening, i should be out enjoying life, not worrying that each thing i do will have a greater almost karma like impact on me sometime later in life. The worst thing is my parents dont belive me, and are constintly trying to force me to get a job, the thought of a new situation like that brings on another panic attack. My dad brought home a brouchure of a therapist through his work, but i dont think we can afford it right now. I feel like no one understands anything, its even bringing me and my bf farther appart because he cant understand because it is so hard for me to explain. I hate feeling like this, anyone out there with an anxiaty problem, you know what im talking about. Im sorry for the long rant i just needed to get somethings out to people who care and will listen, since no one i know really understands. Please if any of you have an anxiaty problem please PM me, i really need to talk to someone who understands. God bless all, take care.

hello there,I suffer from the same kindof problem,i worry about everything. Im to scared to get a job i hate to be around people i dont know incase something bad happens. I always feel strange if i dont have to worry about something and like you i always try to find something i should be worrying about. Most of the time i cant speak to people who arent my family.People just think im shy but im not im just constantly worrying. Im 19(2moro) and i havent had a job yet and i doubt i every will because that kinda situation just freaks me out.

At least i know now that im not the only one.My bf doesnt understand why i worry about the slightest thing and we end up arguing about it but i guess that just makes it worse. I think iv had a bit of depression since i was at school and got bullied i think thats where it all started.You should try and think about what might have triggered it off for you.

Take care.

You should be in therapy- look for a counseling center that works on a sliding scale and go from there.

i know i should be, i want to be, i need to be. I'll try to keep on my parents about it. I really dont know what triggerd it for me, i think it is partially genetic. My mom and dad were both "worryers" when they were young and my dad has OCD. I do try to find the humor in it though, i think thats whats keeping me sain, because after im done worrying about one thing i can look back and laugh at it... most of the time
Thank you for responding, it helps to know im not alone.

oh yea...janine&lily... your right, fighting only makes it worse, but when they dont understand and make you feel horrable for worring, its hard not to want to fight.

Me, I just can't sleep. I think of everything under the sun when it's time for bed. It really sucks. It happens everysummer. I have no place to be so I really don't do anything. It's prety sad when your cat can sleep through the night and you can't

You're not alone, sweetheart, but you do need to find a professional that can help you. Does your dad see anyone? That would be where to start looking. Make sure your parents KNOW you want to see someone, they might just be thinking you have "normal" teenage problems. Good luck, darling, don't give up finding professional help, until you succeed.

Originally Posted by ilovejoelyo

My dad brought home a brouchure of a therapist through his work, but i dont think we can afford it right now.

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Did he bring home this brochure for you or for himself? It really doesn't matter, but it's important that he brought it; it could open up the lines of communication between you two. Tell him, and your mom, what you just told us. You're right, you're 16 and it is NOT normal for a 16-yr old to worry this much. Perhaps you can at least get an evaluation through this therapist.
If your parents say you don't need to see a therapist, tell them that you hope they're right, but a professional would be able to say for sure, after one or two visits. They shouldn't object to a professional opinion.
and to you dear. Hope you're able to rest and soon.

Originally Posted by hissy

You should be in therapy- look for a counseling center that works on a sliding scale and go from there.

Click to expand...

listen to MA... ....my best wishes for you..

If your parents can't afford it, is htere someone you could see for free, like a Church minister or youth club counselor? That would be a start. I agree with t he others - you do need to speak to someone professional, just to bring it all tot he surface.

I have done just about everything to get them to realize how badly i need to see a professional. They both know i want to, but my dad belives it more then my mom. My mom thinks im being lazy and that im useing this to get out a getting a job. My dad brought the brochure home for me... but without actually saying it he pretty much hinted he doesnt want me to go. it was something like " you would have to talk to them over the phone once, then if they think that you should go in, then WE would have to pay for it ourselves" That puts alot of pressure on me becasue i know we dont have to much money right now. And there really isnt anyone around here that i can talk to. Schools out so i cant see a councelor there (and i tend to doubt their compitence for something like this) and My church leaders are just people out of the congrigation that really couldnt care less about much of anyone it seems. I wont give up on trying to see someone, but my parents... mom at least just doesnt want to believe it.

Print this thread, show it to your parents, and tell them you wrote this. If they are still unwilling, perhaps your doctor can help convince, or a guidance counselor at school.

Before finding a therapist, I think you should get a referral from your family doctor to a good psychiatrist, who can provide you with a proper assessment of your condition. You may need medication in addition to therapy. Only an expert in the field can give you an accurate diagnosis.

Psychiatric disorders are a lot more complex that many people think. You may have OCD and a panic disorder. That's why you should visit a pyschiatrist first, and it may only take one visit for them to assess and diagnose you, which may minimalize the cost.

Good luck.

Jenn

I suffered through a year of anxiety disorder and panic attacks. It was really awful, although I was fortunate to have very supportive friends, and I recovered.

I found a very good resource page on the NIMH site, with a lot of very good information about anxiety disorders. You will see that you are not alone in this, you are not just "making up" how you feel, and there are a lot of great resources out there to help you.

NIMH

They have some suggestions for very affordable treatment options.

You are not alone. I think you have what they call GAD: general anxiety disorder. I will put in some information about it. Maybe you should read over it and show it to your parents? Keep us posted, and realize we are all here for you!

Alternative names Return to top

GAD; Anxiety disorder

Definition Return to top

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by a pattern of frequent, persistent worry and anxiety, about several different events or activities. The symptoms last at least 6 months.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a common condition. It is characterized by excessive anxiety and worry, which is out of proportion to the impact of the event or circumstance that is the focus of the worry.

For example, while college students often worry about tests, a student who constantly worries about failure -- despite getting consistently good grades -- has the pattern of worry typical of this disorder.

The person finds it difficult to control the worry. The cause of GAD is not known, but biological and psychological factors play a role. Stressful life situations or maladaptive behavior, acquired through learning, may also contribute to GAD.

The disorder may start at any time in life, including childhood. Most patients with the disorder report that they have been anxious for as long as they can remember. GAD occurs somewhat more often in women than in men.

Symptoms Return to top

Anxiety and worry are often associated with the following symptoms:

• Restlessness or feeling keyed up or "on the edge"
• Being easily fatigued
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability
• Muscle tension -- shakiness, headaches
• Sleep disturbance (difficulty falling or staying asleep; or restless, unsatisfying sleep)
• Excessive sweating, palpitations, shortness of breath, and various gastrointestinal symptoms

Signs and tests Return to top

A physical examination and a psychological evaluation should be completed in order to rule out other causes of anxiety. Physical disorders that may mimic an anxiety state should be ruled out, as well as drug-induced symptoms. Various diagnostic tests may be done in this process.

Treatment Return to top

Treatment may involve specific medications that provide a sedative (sleep-inducing) or calming effect. Other drugs that have the favorable side effect of reducing anxiety may be used, such as antihistamines. A common class of anti-anxiety medications, benzodiazepines, are used with caution because they can impair judgment and have a high potential for addiction.

Two kinds of therapy have been effective in treating GAD. Behavioral therapy uses relaxation training (a systematic relaxation of the major muscle groups in the body). Cognitive behavioral therapy helps patients identify cognitions -- thoughts -- that contribute to anxiety.

Caffeine and other stimulants that can make anxiety worse should be reduced or eliminated.

Support Groups Return to top

Patient support groups may be helpful for some patients suffering from GAD. Patients have the opportunity to learn that they are not unique in experiencing excessive worry and anxiety.

Support groups are not a substitute for effective treatment, but can be a helpful addition to it.

Expectations (prognosis) Return to top

The disorder may be long-standing and difficult to treat, but the majority of patients can expect substantial improvement with medications and/or behavioral therapy.

Complications Return to top

People with GAD may eventually develop other psychiatric disorders, such as panic disorder or clinical depression. In addition, substance abuse or dependence may become a problem, usually because the person tries to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol to alleviate their anxiety.

Calling your health care provider Return to top

Call your health-care provider if you are experiencing the signs and symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, especially if this has been going on for a period of 6 months or longer, or it interferes with your daily functioning.



Update Date: 5/4/2004

Originally Posted by vespacat

Before finding a therapist, I think you should get a referral from your family doctor to a good psychiatrist, who can provide you with a proper assessment of your condition. You may need medication in addition to therapy. Only an expert in the field can give you an accurate diagnosis.

Click to expand...

The first step is to make a doctor's appointment. Your family doctor can refer you to a psychiatrist, and a psychiatrist can prescribe medication if necessary (and probably, since a psychiatrist is a medical doctor, the cost will be the same as a regular's doctor visit—most likely just the copay depending on your insurance). Your doctor may also have some suggestions or ways to help, or actually prescribe medication for you. And your doctor may also be able to recommend ways to save money.

Thank you everyone, you have been so helpful and careing, Its good to not feel alone in all of this. THank you again God bless

Here are some resources you may be able to use for low or no cost health care if your family doesn't have health insurance. Please show these to your parents.

http://www.cdf-mn.org/HealthCare/programs.htm

http://www.childrensdefense.org/chil...minnesota.aspx

http://www.helpinguskids.org/

http://news.minnesota.publicradio.or...3_olsond_care/

ok im thinking about really talking to my parents this weekend, and doing the innitial first call before they decide if you need to go in but, one of my biggest worries is that i go or talk to them on the phone and they will say "whats bothering you?" i cant start from that! i wont know where to begin or what to say!

I think a good response to the question of what's bothering you is that ~everything~ is bothering you. Best of luck in talking to your parents ... I know it can be difficult, but you were brave and strong enough to post to us here - take that with you when you discuss this with Mom and Dad.

Hugs,

~gf~

I used to be exactly like you.

Nowadays I take a quarter of a pill of Lexapro a day and it helps me tremedously. (DON'T OVERDO IT!!! OVERDOING IS EVEN WORSE THAN UNDERDOING THE DRUG)