Do I have anxiety? Or is it just moodiness?

[Froggy2903]

Hey guys, I just signed up for the site but I've seen you guys really help others out when they're in need. I'm a 16 year old male and I'm genuinely confused as to whether I have some form of anxiety at all, or if it is just teenager and hormonal moodiness and swings.

I just always seem to worry about the smallest thing with no reason to even think these things. For example, over these holidays and quarantine I am always worried that my friends don't like me anymore and I can't ask them at all because I believe that I'm going to bother them and I don't want to annoy them. When in actual fact, I'm always sure that they don't hate or dislike me once I look back at that thought and I feel stupid for thinking it. Stuff like this happens constantly and even ranges to me making up scenarios in my head about why they would hate me (along with other scenarios about random things that worry me).

I've searched symptoms up for anxiety and when I look at them it feels like I match them but I also think that I may be reading into too much. Any help will be much appreciated, sorry if this post rambles on or seems silly in any way.

Thank you all so much in advance.

[20girl101]

This definitely could be anxiety. I have anxiety myself and my symptoms are always feeling restless, agitated, on edge, overthinking, racing thoughts, unable to concentrate, I also have slight insomnia. I also do get a racing heart here and then when I overthink and constantly worry!

here if you need to chat.

[geoff]

Hi Froggy, thanks for asking your question because there is no answer unless you ask but very grateful you have.

To make assumptions (a word I never use ) could cause problems or have adverse consequences because it's something we believe will happen but maybe far from the truth and 'feel stupid for thinking it'.

If you do have anxiety then people may develop 'intrusive thoughts', just like I have, so type this in your search browser and an enormous folder will appear, where people have spoken about this topic.

Kids Helpline for people from 5 to 25 years of age can be called on 1800 55 1800 or web-chat, they are trained counsellors and only wear casual clothes, which to many people seems to relax the situation.

Also your doctor can provide you with a 'mental health plan', which enables Medicare to pay for 10 sessions with a psychologist, you maybe able to have more under the circumstances we are all facing today.

Hope you can get back to us as you may have questions.

Geoff.

[Princess_Peach]

Hey Froggy!

The kinds of thought processes you described sound really similar to the inner dialogue that I experience in my head. I never used to think I had anxiety but after talking with my psychologist I realised that it is something I experience quite a lot, I just wasn't aware of it. If you feel comfortable to do so it could be a good idea to see your school counsellor or talk to a person you trust about it and they could give you support around seeing your GP or a psychologist if that's something you wanted to do. Even if you don't have anxiety you can still experience symptoms of it and these can be disruptive for your wellbeing and your relationships.

Nothing you have written is silly at all, that's also a trick my brain plays on me so that I stay silent instead of talking about my feelings. This forum is a great place to start talking about the tricky stuff so good job for voicing what's going on for you!