Is this possible anxiety or am I overreacting?

[smallbrainedcat]

I've always been an over-thinker but its been getting worse in the past few months. I'll start feeling hot, shakey and be on the verge of tears whenever I end up in an argument, make a mistake or end up in a situation where I'm not in control, even if its very minor. I'll often feel dizzy and shakey when I stand up or even sit up from lying down, followed by a 'whizzing' sound in my head which I have to crouch or sit down for it to go away. I constantly wonder what people think of me whether it be my clothes, behaviour or if I talk too much. I also fidget a lot and I can't sit still, I'm often told by my mum to stop tapping my foot or tapping a table, and being late (especially to my dance classes) makes me feel extremely stressed. I've mentioned this to my mum once or twice but she keeps telling me that I'm overreacting and that this is normal (I'm 17 and in year 12) and now I'm worried that I am overthinking it and I'm just being stupid over normal stress. Some days it does feel like normal stress and other days everything feels very overwhelming. I don't want to ask my mum if I can speak to a professional about this because I don't think she'll agree to that idea but I think I just need a bit of guidance or a second opinion.

[Mathy]

Hi ‘Cat (I’m deleting the “small brained” part as I can’t call you that) and welcome to the BB Forums 🙂

Congrats on seeking some help/advice, that’s a great step to take, well done 🙂

I guess the first thing I might suggest is a visit to the GP to check you blood pressure(BP). Getting those feelings from standing up or sitting up can be because your BP is low, it’s a fairly common set of symptoms. Also, ask the GP about Vertigo, because in some circumstances, your inner ear can also cause dizziness when you stand up too suddenly, or roll over in bed. However, in all instances of dizziness, your first priority should be to visit the doctor for a thorough check up.

I live with anxiety, I also suffer from Vertigo, and in the past, low BP. It’s important to get dizziness checked out, because it can relate to a lot of different causes, which need a doctor’s opinion.

When you go to the doctor for a check up, you can then mention the anxiety type symptoms as well.

Do you feel that you can ask your Mum to go to the GP? If so, try and book a long appointment, so that you can get a good checkup and time to ask questions.

There’s a smartphone app called Smiling Mind, which contains guided relaxation meditations - for all age groups and different time periods. It’s very useful to try and calm down with, and being an app, it’s on your phone and in your pocket - I find this a great strategy for calming the mind. It could be a good strategy for you as well.

I’d love to hear how you go with this. This is your thread, a safe, anonymous place for you to share your thoughts with us. Please get back to us if you have trouble getting a GP appointment, there are other options. I’d love to hear how you’re going with this, all the best, cheers M 🙂

[blondguy]

Hi Cat

Welcome to the forums and good on you for having the courage to post too!

I have had clinical anxiety for a while in my 20's and it was a pain. Its only my opinion as a sufferer of anxiety that you are going through a rough time as many do in year 12.

The foot tapping is normal and many people have it even without anxiety. The dizzy feeling can also be a part of this time in your life too.

The shakiness and feeling dizzy can (maybe) be as a result of not eating well too Cat. I know that when I dont eat properly I also feel shaky and dizzy as well.

If you dont want to speak to your mum about speaking to a professional is fine. If you can take advantage of the school counselor and make an appointment, you will have nothing to lose and everything to gain 🙂

Even seeing your GP can make a huge difference to boosting your confidence going through year 12.

I think you are an amazing strong person to have reached out to us. The forums are a solid and safe place for you to talk about anything that is on your mind.

There are also many people like yourself in our 'Young People" heading too. I dont think you are over reacting at all Cat. You are being very proactive by looking after your health.....and good on you!

I hope that you can make an appointment with your school (well being) counselor as anything you talk about is confidential. I really hope you can

This is your thread by the way....you are more than welcome to post as many times as you like

Im Paul...a volunteer here....thanks again for posting!

Paul