[chickenalfredo12345]

Hi! Sorry if this is the wrong place for this. I'm very new here.

I've been doing some research on my own, and before I take any further steps, I would like some feedback on my specific situation, and I have a few questions.

I'm a 15 (almost 16, my birthday is in 12 days) year old female, and I feel that my levels of anxiety and worry are excessive. I've read the symptoms of general anxiety disorder, and to be quite honest, I thought everyone felt that way. One of the things I most identified with was the tendency to mentally mull over certain issues hundreds of times looking for a solution and finding none, making me even more worried. I often look back at certain episodes of worry and think "wow, that was completely irrational," but in the moment, all I can do is panic (though I don't think I have ever had a full-on panic attack).

I often have existential crises that I feel consume all of my mental energy even though it seems stupid for something as bizarre as the meaning of life to produce such worry. I'll also spend the whole day worrying about something I did or said and whether or not it could have made a particular person angry, even if it's something that I realize later that the person probably didn't even think twice about.

I also feel worried for no reason at all sometimes. I'll be perfectly fine, but then I start to feel worry just creeping into my mind, and I don't know the reason, which only worries me more.

My self-esteem is absolutely terrible, and I don't know if that's related, but if it is, it is most definitely the most severe symptom.

To clarify, the physical manifestations of this worry are often elevated heart rate, and I often get a weird feeling in my chest. It isn't shortness of breath, but it just feels difficult to breathe. I also have difficulty devoting large amount of time to things like school work and staying motivated and focused to finish it.

I'm also incredibly irritable. I often snap at my family and later wonder why because they weren't doing anything to warrant it.

My parents have always just attributed my behavior to my nature. They just think I'm a "worry wart," and so did I up until recently. Now I have started to worry that some of what I feel is excessive, and I feel that I need help.

My two main questions are- does it sound like I have an anxiety disorder/are my levels of anxiety and worry normal? And how can I talk to my parents to let them know that I need help?

Thanks so much!

[Skeezyks]

Hi chickenalfredo12345: Well... we here on PC can't diagnose you... (you probably knew that...) This is a job for a mental health professional. But, yes, from what you wrote it does certainly sound as though you are having some problems with anxiety. I have always carried around a lot of generalized anxiety & I experience a lot of the things you describe. I don't know to what extent what you experience could be considered normal. But what is significant here is that it is troublesome to you. That, in-&-of itself, is reason enough to talk with someone about it.

As far as talking to your parents goes, since I don't know them, it's difficult to say how to approach the subject. I think all you can probably do is simply tell them, straight up, what's going on & what you need. Beyond that, are you familiar with California therapist Kati Morton? Kati is on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, & other social websites. She also has her own website. Kati uploads mental health related videos onto YouTube. She's uploaded many videos on many mental health subjects. I think you might find many of her videos to be of interest. Plus they might give you some ideas with regard to how to approach your parents. Kati's wonderful! (She also answers viewers questions.) Check out her videos...

[Sula B]

Firstly for such a young person well done for being so self aware and secondly for asking for help. Even if your anxiety is linked to something else happening I your life, it is fantastic that you have asked.

You do need to speak with your parents or if they are not approachable is there another trusted adult you have in your life? An adult brother or sister, aunt or uncle, school counsellor? That's the first step and then seeing your GP who may be able to alay your fears or refer you to another professional.

Good luck.

[possum220]

Welcome to PC.

The guide in being able to talk to your parents is do you normally talk to them about other things? Talking to some-one you can trust is important whether it be a parent, teacher. Finding support at this stage can go a long way in helping you to manage what is happening.

Being moody and irritable may also be a part of being female and the whole hormone issue. When this is bad enough it can be referred to as PMDD. If you would like to talk about this there is a women's health forum on this site.