How do I know if it's worth going to the doctors to talk about anxiety ?

[Charlie2006]

I've been feeling more and more recently that I might have anxiety. I have most of the symptoms but I also have asthma so ive been thinking that anything involving being tired, difficulty breathing and dizziness was because of my asthma. Does anyone think I should go to the doctor to find out ?

(I'm under 18 so I can't just go to the doctor and my parents didn't know I feel this way; I haven't told them anything).

[Gadzooks]

Hi Charlie2006,

Well done for reaching out, I remember well that should I/shouldn’t I when considering whether to see a doctor. I’m also asthmatic so can relate to that too. I have found that breathing can be affected when particularly anxious.
I think if you’re feeling this way that it is worth talking to someone. Would you feel comfortable having the conversation with your parents? It can be a scary thing to do but I can attest to it helping to have people on your side (family or otherwise). There’s also a lot of information here at beyond blue which you can access. Everyone in this community is so supportive so if you have any questions please ask. I hope things improve for you and well done for being so brave.

Hugs

G

[Croix]

Dear Charlie2006~

It looks to me as if you have two problems to try to deal with, and coming here for advice is a good first step.

Trying to sort out what is anxiety and what is asthma is difficult, particularly as an asthma attack can be so frightening and produce anxiety, and also because increased stress can promote asthma attacks too.

This really is a job for a professional to sort out. You can assist by keeping a journal of events and how you felt, but basically it is a question of professional judgment.

This of course leads on to you second problem, you have not discussed the matter with your parents, I would imaging they are aware of your asthma, well anxiety is simply another illness.

Is there any reason holding you back?

In the event neither of your parents is approachable I'd go see a GP yourself, I beleive over 16 you can do so, and getting your family Medicare number might be the only stumbling block if you are seeing someone new.

Another approach would be to ring or web-chat with Kids Help Line (1800 55 1800) and see what they suggest.

https://kidshelpline.com.au/get-help/webchat-counselling/

Having anxiety is a treatable condition and the sooner it is looked at the better the results. I made the mistake of hanging on for many years, and that simply made things worse, harder and longer to treat. So please see your doctor and find out the true situation.

It is so much better than worrying about this.

Croix

[blondguy]

Hello Charlie2006

Thankyou for having the courage to reach out to us

As Croix and Gadzooks have mentioned above, having a talk with your parents is a smart move!
To answer your question...yes seeing a GP is a good decision as our GP's have an excellent understanding where anxiety/asthma is concerned

You have everything to gain and nothing to lose by having a chat to your parents or a GP about what you are going through.....(Even if you print out this page and give it to your parents...seriously)

you are an amazing person Charlie2006......Ant questions are always welcome 🙂

The earlier we sort out matters like these the better we feel!

Paul