Do I have a problem???

[ASkl]

I’ve had serious anxiety for about 4 years now but in the past year I have been getting lower and lower and I don’t know what it means. I cry all the time - it can be triggered by anything, I have days where I am so down I just can’t do anything right or think properly, and I sometimes have this feeling in my stomach that just cancels everything else out. But I still go to school and do all of my normal activities most days. I just hide these really down feelings. But my friends keep asking my if I’m okay and I’m too scared to admit anything so I just keep saying I’m Fine. Ive slowly had really low days more and more often and I’m getting scared. I think it’s gettjng worse but I don’t know what to do - because I know there are kids who have it way worse than me so is it selfish to ask for help? Am I alright??

[white knight]

Hi ASKl, welcome

You could be suffering from anything from basic insecurity right up to a need for a gentle psychiatric assessment. That sounds scary but it isn't and its reassuring to get someone to talk with you to see if there is something wrong. The same as if you have a car and you get it regularly checked for safety's sake.

From what you have said it sounds along the lines of depression but at school age it could be something like common growing issues. That's why its important to talk with your doctor in the first instance. You are brave to write in and ask. That step alone is fabulous as most people don't bother until the problem has taken hold of their lives.

Also bare in mind that while you are taking the burden of the symptoms you might feel like there is no possibility of recovery. Nothing could be further from the truth. I'm very experienced in suffering depression and other related illnesses and most times it takes only a chat or mild medication and your mind is helped along.

So, best of luck. Feel free to repost here as often as you like.

Tony WK

[startingnew]

hi and welcome to BB

you can have a good life and still have anxiety. mental health doesnt discriminate so dont feel bad about that and its not selfish to ask for help at all so please dont be afraid to ask for help.

have you tried talking to your parents about how your feeling? it seems your friends are starting to pick up that something is wrong so maybe you could try talking to them?

you can also speak to someone in your school- like a trusted teacher, year advisor or school counsellor about whats making you anxious?

im wondering if you know what is making you anxious or do you always feel this way? is there things that make you feel more anxious than normal?

if you need some more support please dont hesitate to call a helpline. we have Beyond blue here and also Kidshelpline (up to 25 yrs), and headspace that i think would be beneficial to you to take a look at their sites and also as a service for help and support and one on one guidance

keep talking here too, we are here listening and are here for you