[alisonangus]

Hi I'm a 17 year old girl. I was born and raised in a very good supportive atmosphere. I never thought I would have anxiety problems, and found out I did a few months ago. However, I haven't told anyone because I'm afraid they'll think I'm crazy, which I'm know I'm not.

A few months ago, I saw this Law and Order episode about this girl who was kidnapped and kept in a cement bunker in the basement of her father's house for 4 years, and raped by her father. Now I know that none of those shows are completely true, but the real problem came when I started googling and found stories about the Fritzl case in Austria and the Katie Beers story in Long Island NY. You can google them if you aren't familiar. Well anyway, I found tons of these same cases, and thanks to that, I have been deprived of sleep and flinch whenever I hear an unsuspecting noise. Now I realize many people are terrified when they hear these stories, but it's taken over my life. I cannot do well in school no matter how hard I try, and I have no will to leave my house. This anxiety really builds up at night when the house is dark. I have an old house and that certainly doesn't help. I have a really safe family and they were all brought up well. I know I shouldn't have to be worried about getting raped but I also know that I have to be careful too. What should I do?

Hello, alisonangus. My suggestion is for you to talk to your parents. If you feel uncomfortable talking to them, do you have a school counselor you can talk to?

People that care about you will not think you are crazy. Maybe one of those night lights that go in a plug-in would help? In any event, you need to talk to someone since you are unable to deal with this on your own.

Good luck.

[robert722]

You may have always had anxiety all along.however watching these stories have not helped. I have had it all my life. The best thing to do is be honest and tell your parents first and then see your school Guidance Counselor if your parents think it's Appropriate. Believe me you’re not going crazy. You’re going through your teen years and it’s nothing to be ashamed of to ask for help. All my best

Robert

Originally Posted by alisonangus

Hi I'm a 17 year old girl. I was born and raised in a very good supportive atmosphere. I never thought I would have anxiety problems, and found out I did a few months ago. However, I haven't told anyone because I'm afraid they'll think I'm crazy, which I'm know I'm not.

A few months ago, I saw this Law and Order episode about this girl who was kidnapped and kept in a cement bunker in the basement of her father's house for 4 years, and raped by her father. Now I know that none of those shows are completely true, but the real problem came when I started googling and found stories about the Fritzl case in Austria and the Katie Beers story in Long Island NY. You can google them if you aren't familiar. Well anyway, I found tons of these same cases, and thanks to that, I have been deprived of sleep and flinch whenever I hear an unsuspecting noise. Now I realize many people are terrified when they hear these stories, but it's taken over my life. I cannot do well in school no matter how hard I try, and I have no will to leave my house. This anxiety really builds up at night when the house is dark. I have an old house and that certainly doesn't help. I have a really safe family and they were all brought up well. I know I shouldn't have to be worried about getting raped but I also know that I have to be careful too. What should I do?

[Stranger2]

You should avoid watching those tv shows..You shouldn't go looking at things that will trigger you..In the mean time talk to your parents about your fears and talk to them about seeing a therapist..

[1flagwriter]

Sounds like these stories were actually triggers for something deeper inside...you might need therapy to help, unfortunatly. Once we get to the point of not being able to control ourselves, we need to reach out for help. Be brave and breathe...

How are you doing, alisonangus?

[alisonangus]

Thank you so much everyone. I'm going to talk to my school counselor first and then my parents. It'll be easier telling her than them.

P.S: For those of you who have asked, Angus was the name of my dog, no longer alive. I made the name as my email when I was 11 or 12 and I use it for my name because it's convenient.

Please let us know how the talk with the counselor went.