[housemadeofjelly]

Hi everyone,
I posted this to the general thread but I think it belongs here (Im new)
Im 18 and recently dropped out of university. I had very bad anxiety in my high school years and since moving back to my hometown, i have been put back in the places and situations where my anxiety started. This has made my anxiety so much worse than it was when I was in university in a different city. My anxiety stops me from asking my parents for help so I can't go to therapy or get a real diagnosis. It's so hard some days and i tell myself I'll get help "when I can afford it", but at this point I'll be waiting until I'm like 30 with a career. I need advice on what to do, if there's a support group out there? I'm just really struggling and starting to feel depressed.

[Sunflower123]

I'm sorry you're having such a tough time. You're not alone. What is holding you back from asking your parents for help? Therapy and/or meds could really help you get some relief now.

[Hobbit House]

Hello and welcome. There may be a group meeting for mental health available nearby. I would try and check into that. Not quite sure how things work in Canada. Good luck.

[housemadeofjelly]

Originally Posted by Jennifer 1967

I'm sorry you're having such a tough time. You're not alone. What is holding you back from asking your parents for help? Therapy and/or meds could really help you get some relief now.

Funnily enough, my anxiety is stopping me from getting help from parents. I feel like in general anxiety is not an issue most people take seriously and im just afraid they'll say "Chill out" or try to put me in sports or something dumb to help. I am just afraid they won't see it as an issue that requires therapy or medication. Another reason is i have never told them about my personal problems because I have always felt like they will be invalidated (for no reason, they're great parents I just get too anxious to do it)

[EglantineRose]

I understand how difficult anxiety is to deal with. One suggestion that I have is to try to contact your local Canadian Mental Health Association. They may have resources available in your city or town that can help you. Here is the website: Home Page - Canadian Mental Health AssociationCanadian Mental Health Association | La santé mentale pour tous

That's too bad to hear about university. If it's something you would consider again in the future, I suggest trying to go again, when you are feeling better. It's good for your mental health to be around others, and it's wonderful to have positive goals to focus on as well.