All this anxiety as a teen?

[Relayagain]

Hi Im new to this site but I was hoping for some help. Im 15 and about to start high school, I have no idea how I'm going to deal. I am so used to being that weird shy kid at school that it seems like Im living two lives. Like at my house I'm outgoing, wanting to help everyone out, and probably annoying because I wont shut up (although I cant blame them I can talk about my problems alot with my family). I just dont know how to create a new me without the troubling social anxiety I face. I was seeing a counslor but I told her only half-truths because I was scared of what she might think (yes I know ridicolouse). Shes my third one and this one I like better then the others but I still dont know if shes the right fit. I am also on zoloft which seemed to helpa t first but now it has almost worn off. The depression seems gone but my anxiety seems worse without me being able to work myself out of it before. Although I do have ADHD and did quit adderall xr when I was taking zoloft because I didnt need it for summer. Ugh sorry this is so long I just really need help and don't know what to do or where to turn. Any home remedies I could try or advice on my counselor situation? I really want to improve and define myself so I can be the whole person I want to be. Any advice or answers, anything would be really helpful :)

[jan8586]

i dnt think u have adhd u are a teen its so many emotions u are just going thur. I think you need to be more open with ur counselor.

[kimdavis5]

Tell your counselor the whole  truth about things or get a new one and do the same.  You may need a different med.  Pray if you believe in God.  You sound smart and aware and that is a huge start!  Things ease down and everyone feels anxious in your school position.  We're all scared of people! Just to a more or less degree so try to relax.  You will be ok.

[Firefae25]

get a shrink for adhd and a talk thearapist or open up completely to your counselor

[mammo]

I'm so sorry you are having to deal with this when your life should be carefree.  One thing I would do (since you like your current therapist) is be completely honest with them.  None of them are going to be able to help you if they don't know the whole truth, and never worry about what they will think.  This is their specialty and they hear it all, every day and are not there to judge you, but to help you.  It sounds like you have "social anxiety" and we hear from a lot of teens with this. You need to contact the doctor that prescribed your Zoloft and let him know how you're feeling. With these types of medications we can build up a tolerance to them and they become less effective in helping us, and this is very common. But if it didn't help much with your shyness at school let him know this as well, there may be a better medication for you. Once you are being completely honest with your therapist she can help with this a lot. You sound so sweet, and I think if you just go to school and put yourself out there, you will be very popular.  It's all about just being yourself.  Smile at people, say hi, and even if you don't get a "hi" back don't let it bother you.  Some people are just as shy as you are and after passing you will wish they had responded.  A smile let's people know that you noticed them and gave them a smile which may carry them thru their day.  There are a lot of teens struggling with things and this is way for you to reach out to them.  Do your best to be as you are at home, that's all you can do, is be YOU!  Being shy has gotten you no where, so try the reverse, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised!!  If you have something to say, just say it and go from there.  It's tough being a teen but now is the time to learn how not to worry so much about others, and be yourself.  Just start with baby steps and say something to someone when you normally wouldn't, and the more you do this, the easier it will get. I think you'll be surprised at how many people respond. If they don't, it's okay because they may have their own problems, but they will not forget that you "noticed" them at a time when they may have felt alone and invisable. People like to be around those who are upbeat and happy. and you will give this impression with your smiling and then just try to be like you are at home.  I was very shy at your age and I learned that people thought I was a snob!!!  I couldn't believe it!  I was just scared, but realized that it was I who had to show them that I wasn't a snob at all.  People often perceive shynes as us not wanting to talk, or be friendly, when it is just the opposite.  Talk with your doctor so he can tweak or change your medication, and start preparing yourself now by practicing on people when you are out.  Just say "hi, how are you?" and go from there. I promise it will become second nature to you.  When you get a conversation going be a good listener as well, and if you know the person's name, use it often while speaking to them.  I know you can do this, and start high school with a whole new attitude.  I wish you all the best and got get em!!!!