Anxiety is ruining my life.

[LesleyElisabeth]

So I started college in the Fall of 2014, finished a semester and quit. I couldn't order food at the food court, ask questions, give a presentation or talk to anyone without being nervous and "rehearsing" what I was going to say over and over again in my head before I could attempt to say something. It was mentally draining trying to keep up with school work and deal with the social aspect of college at the same time. I gave up my dream of being a Veterinary Assistant because of stupid social anxiety. When I'm talking with people, I feel like I can't catch my breath, can't keep eye contact and I feel cloudy for some reason like I'm in a dream. I feel that way a lot, I try so hard to stay calm at all times and just block out the anxiety but I can't. I feel so mentally drained by the time I get home,and no matter how much sleep I get, I still feel exausted when I wake up. I'm not depressed, but I always feel so tired. Does medication help? I'm afraid of it having a bad effect on me. I just want to know if other people feel the way I do, and how they handle it.

[SamerahOrnelas]

I have been experiencing something I cannot explain but it terrifies me to even think about it. I am 15 and have been dealing with this for years it started when I was young like a toddler by seeing things when I'm not even asleep or hearing things in my head like noises getting louder and louder, I don't know how to deal with it. I had started hearing things in December 2022 all the way to February or March, I heard myself screaming in my head louder than nobody could even comprehend, then it went to feelings like when you are about to yawn, and you have this feeling behind your ears tightening up and it was constant i had these feelings in my head that something so small like a rock or a human I imagined it as big as the universe, but for everything i see is the same or different like i can see noises and hear thoughts. It all calmed down when i went to a mental facility, but its still there and I don't know how to stop it. I don't think i can go on feeling like this anymore its driving me crazy. i dont know if i have visions, or if anyone else can feel the same way but all I know right now is I'm alone and my parents dont understand, nor does the doctors who prescribed me with medicine that made me high and made the noises louder. Please let me know if anyone is going through this. I'm desperate

[LesleyElisabeth]

I haven't been to a therapist yet, I've been debating between therapy and medication.I will try the therapy first. Thank you :)

[Paxiled]

Have you been to a therapist who specializes in anxiety treatment yet?  If not, that's your first step.  A good psychologist will tell you if they think you need medication or not.  It can help, but if therapy works for you the problem will be solved, not just suppressed.  If it doesn't work, medication might be necessary for you to get on with your life.