[Valkyrie]

I have always been a nervous person, even as a child. I was the kid who worried about the other kids who liked to do daring things on the playground, like when they jumped from the swing, or when they slid down the slide. I refused to join them, but I would try to protect them somehow.
I am 21 now, and it never occurred to me that there might be something wrong with the way I worry too much. I've spent nights in bed worrying about the next day and the years of the future. I dwell on negative past experiences until I break down. It gets hard to breathe, my heart beat becomes really fast, a million thoughts race through my head.
Overall, I'm used to it... which makes it feel normal... So I've never told a professional because I don't know when the feeling is actually considered "bad". The thing is, I think I'm going to die early someday because my heart does this a lot, and I would really like to tell someone so that I can be better... but I don't know who to tell and how. I am also scared that I won't be taken seriously... partly because I am a university student and people like to blame things on the stress of school.
Thanks for any tips, info, or suggestions.

[cheetah]

If you aren't being treated by a mental health professional for any issues, I'd suggest starting with your family doctor. Maybe keep a bit of a journal about when these episodes happen. How often does it disrupt your sleep? What specifically is worrying you? Is it even something you can control? You can use what you record to help explain the issue to your doctor. Let your doctor know about physical symptoms too like the difficulty breathing and fast heart beat.

[Perna]

I think you have General Anxiety Disorder (GAD) like I did. I was always anxious too (still am but much less).

http://psychcentral.com/disorders/sx24.htm

Maybe you could do some reading for a bit if you're nearly finished school, then see a therapist and discuss it with them. I don't think you'll be dismissed as only having school worries and stress at your age, you have enough experience with school that you should be okay with school.

[BalishBun]

My mind likes to think a lot, Its all about the what-ifs, and worries about the past and present, and even though the saying is "past is past, you cannot change it" its still a worry, and still isnt always on a back burner. I never had too much of the anxiety until December 07, but I can relate to you Im sure.

[Cyran0]

Val, that all sounds terribly familiar and I'm sorry it's happening to you. What works for me is medication and calming techniques (breathing stuff, etc.).

I would recommend getting some help for this problem as you don't need to suffer through this for the rest of your life.

Cyran0

[Valkyrie]

Thanks everyone for the input! I finally got the courage today (twenty-three days since I've made this post) and went to my family doctor.

I do have an anxiety disorder, and although I am relieved that that is over with, I now have to undergo treatment. My doctor has got me to try the anti-depressant drug called Cipralex. I am not so keen about medication but nothing else works.

My mother, who suffers panic attacks, has been shaking her head at the diagnosis. She views this as a bad thing that will affect my future and says that if people know that I have an anxiety disorder my future employers might not think so highly of me as a good person to hire. I know that she is over-exaggerating but I am saddened by that thought.

At least I can now take the steps to being better. This is all I've really wanted to achieve.

Thanks again everyone!

[TaintedGoth1]

You sound a lot like me! Unfortunately I'm not on anything for my anxiety and worry...but just wanted to give you

[crazybones]

well there is no easy solution to telling some one you need help ok now if you find the right doctor not some quack out of the phone book you should be ok now telling your situation is easy explain 4 things what when were and why
what problems are you having when do they happen were and most of all why do these problems accure you dont have to be exact