Hi Brandon. The thing to realize with anxiety is that it is a medical condition. You are not crazy and it's not your fault. People suffer with anxiety in varying degrees and for a variety of reasons. Everyone gets 'anxious' at times in their lives, it's natural. Anxiety disorder is different, it's much more severe then just getting 'nervous' and impacts our bodies in many different ways. You are experiencing some of the very common physical effects that anxiety causes. Most of us here on the forum know these symptoms very well. Eventually it starts to interfere with our thought processes as well as our self esteem.
My problems with anxiety started when I was around the 7th grade too. I didn't want my parents to know I wasn't well because I thought it would devestate them. But I urge you to tell your parents that you need to see a doctor. Get a good physical exam and discuss what you wrote here with the doctor. In fact you should print out your post and the answers you recieve to bring with you. The earlier you get help for this the easier it will be for you and you will be so much better off for it for the rest of your life. Suffering alone with anxiety will have a negative impact on you throughout your life and it's totally unnecessaary. There is good help available and I'm sure your parents only want the best for you. Don't be afraid to ask for it..
Let us know if we can help you in any way.
Brandon, since you are in discomfort but still able to function, try cognitive therapy before resorting to medications. Have an honest sit down with your parents. Agree with them that you do believe that everyone has anxiety to some degree. Then explain to them what is happening to you. I think they will find that it is different then their own experiences. Then, understand that the cause of your anxiety are your thoughts and the way you relate to and perceive the world. Tell you parents that your thoughts are getting obsessive and out of control. Then do some research on cognitive therapy. Explain to your parents what it is (if you are comfortable with it) and ask them to help you find a reputable place. Tell them that you want to try everything you can to help yourself and will only consider drugs as a last resort. I think your parents may be comfortable with this. I also think that they need to talk to someone about your anxiety so that they can learn to empathize with you. They need help getting out of the denial stage, that in their minds there is nothing wrong. It is what it is Brandon. Handle you parents in a respectful way and be totally honest with them. In the end, they want what is best for you. It is not easy, but you can do it.
i really appreaciate the facts that you shared with me, and ive told my mom about me having these problems and she said its normal and i shouldnt worry so much about it,ive tried that but it just comes back,so i think when she gets home from work ill tell her to make an appointment for me or something,would i have to stay in an institute for a while if i do have something wrong with me?and i heard the medication have side effects that i wouldnt want,but i really appreciate this for helping me out,thank you
i just started crying because i realized how much people really do care and are here for my help,in last conclusion,do you guys think i should tell my parents that i need help?because i dont want to look crazy and i dont want to be mentally ill but if its for the best ill try anything to get rid of this,i just want to think the way i use to think, i use to be happy about 6 days ago and then it popped back up,thank you guys for being there for me i really appreciate it
No you wouldn't have to stay in an institute at all. What you want to start off with in seeing a doctor is to check to see if you have a physical problem that may be causing your symptoms.
There are a number of ailments (thyroid, diabetes, etc.) that produce symptoms that are similar to anxiety disorder and they should be ruled out. Once they are ruled out then anxiety disorder can be considered. Medications are a last resort at your age and there are a number of treatments available as mentioned above. Side effects from medications are mostly minor and subside in a short time for most people. Some do have bad problems with them and simply can't tolerate them very well, everyone is different. Cross that bridge when you get to it, it may never happen.
We're here for you Brandon. We have been thru this and know what it's like.
Yes tell your parents by all means. Show them the posts here so they too know what we have to say, those of us who do have anxiety disorder. You are NOT CRAZY and tho some may differ, neither am I.
You don't even know yet that you have anxiety disorder. You may have a thryroid condition, diabetes, who knows until you get checked out. So see your doctor and let him guide you and your parents to the right course of action.
Don't worry, be happy! :-)
thank you again,but ive been to the doctor plenty of times and they say im healthy,so im thinking that i just got diagnosed to it or im just worrying too much,but thanks for the positive feedbacks i really appreciate it
and it makes sense considering the fact about the thyroid condition,sense my mom has thryoid conditions and takes pills for it,so you saying my anxiety might come from thryoid? how come?
"Hypothyroidism is most typically associated with depression, while hyperthyroidism is more commonly associated with anxiety or panic attacks"
http://thyroid.about.com/cs/basics_starthere/a/10signs_2.htm
With your mother having thyroid problems it can be inherited, therefore specific blood tests are needed to check thyroid hormone levels.
The body's hormones can effect your mood and nervous system and thyroid hormones are one of them.
Have your parents call your doctor and see if these tests were done on you.
Does your doctor know of the symptoms you mention here? If so, what did he/she say?
Have your parents ask the doctor for a referral to a therapist or psychiatrist.
It is unnecessary for you to have to suffer with anxiety and go untreated. It'll cause you far more harm being left untreated and can impair your life. You don't have anything more to fear from anxiety disorder then thyroid disorder. Both are illnesses that need treatment and if they are left untreated will probaly bring you more serious problems down the road.