[RI1442]

I'm a junior in high school and I've had this issue since elementary school. I've been diagnosed with a few different anxiety disorders(OCD, hypochondria, etc) but my main fear is of throwing up or catching a virus(flu, cold, stomach bug). School is so tough for me because I worry about getting trapped and being sick there. I used to gag every morning before school when I was in grades 1-3 because I was so anxious. The fear makes it extremely difficult to go to class. I'm a mid-90 student and get all my work done and none of my anxiety has to do with academics, it has more to do with physically sitting in a classroom. It makes me so anxious that I get nauseous, get headaches, feel feverish, get dizzy,can't eat, etc. I can never tell if I'm actually sick or if it's just anxiety, which creates more anxiety. It's one of the most awful feelings ever and I get it EVERY DAY and have been getting it for the past 5 or so years and I'm beyond sick of it. The school therapist is useless, she's rude to me because I politely declined her DBT group (for kids with serious issues like self harm/BPD) and she threatened to give me detention today because I came to her mid-panic attack out of one of my classes so I missed class. I don't do any of this on purpose and I would love to go to class if I could. I like being there and getting to be with my friends and learn. When I get like this there's no snapping me out of it, I can't force myself to go to class. I have a 504 plan but it barely does anything. My principal and guidance counselor are really nice but they're busy so there's only so much they can do. It's so embarrassing, I always feel like I'm bothering people. My current set up is to go sit in the guidance office and today the guidance secretary asked me what I was doing and that it's only the second week of school and I felt so embarrassed. I've been in therapy since 3rd grade and have tried medication but nothing works. I can't stay in school a full day, it's too much for me realistically. Last year I was lucky enough to be able to front load my classes so I was only in school from 8-12:45 but this year there's no chance I can do that. I'm taking 2 AP classes (possibly adding a 3rd) and I'm already having trouble getting to class and it's the 5th day. My teachers are nice but it's the administration that's the issue. My parents are aware and they try to do what they can but nothing ever really happens and they normally refuse to pick me up from school which makes me feel even more anxious and trapped. I've brought up online school but they're so against it, but I kind of wish I could take a few online classes just so I could get out earlier? I'm stressing a bit for college because I need to get all the credits in and have really good grades but at this point my mental health is more important to me. I always do really well over the summer but as soon as school comes around I'm a mess again. Please help me I can't take this much longer, what do I do?

[kaliope]

hi RI1442
i wouldnt be so quick to rule out dbt as something for kids with "serious issues like self harm/bpd" it sounds like your issue is pretty serious as well as much as it is negatively impacting your life. i do not have bpd but took dbt for my anxiety issues and it was the best thing i ever did. dbt focus is about learning how to manage your emotions, one is not being able to manage anxiety.

welcome to psych central. you will find we have several forums where you can post about your concerns and receive feedback from other members. you will get a lot of support here. again, welcome

[CANDC]

Hi RI. Welcome to Psych Central. I can almost feel your anxiety level by hearing your story. It sounds very disruptive. I would like to suggest an easy exercise to lower your anxiety but it seems more pervasive. Silently counting the inhale and exhale helps me relax and stop feeding the stress.

At this point I would get another diagnosis and therapy (talk and meds and other) plan and give it a try. The longer you wait the more entrenched anxiety is.

I also have read about CBT helping young people with anxiety.
How Effective is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Anxiety? | World of Psychology

To me trying any professionally diagnosed and prescribed therapy plan would be a step to finding stability, even if that was not the final approach you use.

Many people here at PC find they can share these feelings and what they are going through with the confidence that people go through similar things and can empathize. So many forums are offered as well as Chatrooms (after you have 5 posts or comments on others posts). Depression chat meets on Thursday night at 9pm EST and Anxiety Wednesday at 8PM.

You can also be an active member in other ways like supporting others in their questions, reading articles and posts http://forums.psychcentral.com that are applicable to your area of concern.

Please feel free to private message me or any of the Community Liaisons by left clicking on the name in blue to the left of their post) for questions or just to share.

For me lifestyle changes fit big in my recovery hopes.

I have to watch what I eat because foods I eat can stabilize my moods or exaggerate them. A high protein low carb diet with snacks or meals every 3-4 hours will over time reduce my swings. I also avoid alcohol and recreational drugs because those can really increase depression.

Other lifestyle changes that help me are doing yoga, exercises, mindfulness, calm music, and being active on Psych Central.

[Amarose]

I can relate with the digestive issues.... And when I get really anxious I am afraid I'm going to poop my pants and have to keep running to the bathroom which makes my anxiety worse!

[Ruftin]

Hello and welcome to Psych Central RI1442!!! It's nice to meet you. You have joined a community of warm and caring members who will want to offer you support and advice. Yours is welcome as well.

Please feel free to contact any community liaison or moderator by left clicking on their name in blue to the left of their post if you need help navigating the forums. It will take some time for your first five posts to appear as they are being evaluated and then you will be able to join chats.

I'm sorry for your struggles. I hope you will give the DBT a chance as mentioned by another member. You'll find we have a safe and supportive community. I'm glad you've joined us.

I look forward to seeing you around!!!