I'm worried that I'm doing the wrong thing entirely

Liam007 · ‎22-10-2014

For the last week I've been having negative emotions and having worries, and in the last week I feel like I've gone overboard in expressing it. So far I have:

Used the Beyondblue chat at least four times
Created 5 threads on the forum, including this one
Booked an appointment to see a youth counselor.
Seen my school counselor 3 times
Signed up for a another forum and used the online chat service there

I feel like I'm going overboard in trying to deal with the whole thing. I'm anxious, feeling like I'm handling the whole situation wrong, like I'm doing to much, but I find I do it because I need to keep myself calm and relaxed as I'm on a long waiting list to see a youth counselor. I also think I use this forum a little too much, I check it more than I check my FaceBook now. Am I going overboard with trying to get to the bottom of this? Is there anything I should do to ease up? Is it okay if I use the online chat when I feel more sad, lonely and anxious than usual? Anything I should tell myself to control this? This has been going on for a while I feel slightly nervous even writing this post.

I just want to state that I'm NOT consideringself harm or anything like that.Thanks,Liam

NicoleP · ‎22-10-2014

Hi Liami just wrote a long post and then managed to lose the lot. Kind of says what kind of a day I have had. I was having an ok day until I got an email from my boss and I went to pieces. I reacted by Phoning my husband and ear bashing himphoning BB cousellorphoning my husband back (he is sick of hearing about it)putting new thread on forum and checking it 20 timescalling ADAVICear bashing husband as he walks in the door (he is still sick of it)spending evening on Google looking for the magic answerDiscussing all my flaws with husband who has now switched offcoming to bed with ipad so that I can read forums for messages (and there you are)You never need to apologise about posting that is what we are all here for - to support each other. It is actually kind of nice to hear that someone else is doing the same thing as me - looking for solutions when going thru a rough patch. I think it is better to reach out and search for answers than closing your eyes and hoping it will all go away. I will have a look for your other posts. Remember, we all need help now and then. Take careKezza

white knight · ‎22-10-2014

Hi Liam,

KezzaA is correct in every detail. And remember that posting often, other, some just readers, learn from us all.

You could be in a manic stage. Soemthing to run past others you will be seeing for advice.

Some here have posts totalling 500. We still advise as progress may be slow with some people but its still progress.

I like your threads and a lot of young people are learning from them. Guilt is a terrible negative force. It displays lack of confidence and can over time be neutralised. From half cup empty to half cup full......in everything you do.

AGrace · ‎23-10-2014

Hi Liam,

I guess if you are feeling like you are going overboard with seeking support then perhaps you are. Sometimes we need a lot of support and other times we just need to chat to someone from time to time. I'm guessing this might all be pretty new to you. How long have you been experiencing the anxiety for?

Have you spoken with a GP about your symptoms? Is there an option for you to try some anti-anxiety medication in the interim while you wait to see a Counsellor? I understand you mentioned that the waiting list for the youth counsellor is quite considerable. Was this counsellor suggested to you? If you are not happy to wait then you can also consider getting a referral and mental health care plan to see a Psychologist instead. You might find the wait list less daunting.

Do you feel like your just anxious or do you feel like you are having panic attacks? I know this can be a difficult question to answer, but I'm wondering if you feel panic and then you jump online for support, or if you are just constantly worried and so you're seeking support more frequently? Are you getting the support you need from the forums and webchat services, in other words is it helping?

What else do you do to take your mind off things? Are you studying at the moment?

You might also like to have a look at the thread SELF HELP TIPS FOR MANAGING ANXIETY under the anxiety section of the forums. There's some good strategies in there from many members that you can probably start practicing straight away.

Look forward to hearing back from you.

AGrace

Liam007 · ‎23-10-2014

Hi Grace, to answer some of your questions

How long have you been experiencing the anxiety for?

I have been feeling this way for at least a month or so. I only just came out about it 2 weeks.

Have you spoken with a GP about your symptoms?

Considering one at the moment, but I'm finding it hard how to explain it. Could it only be situational? Am I actually depressed or just sad? I'm finding it hard to tell/

Do you feel like your just anxious or do you feel like you are having panic attacks?

It's hard to tell, one thing leads to the next with that. I have no self respect or love for myself which leads to me worrying about what others think of me and certain circumstances arise to where I panic or find I'm more worried than usual. Nothing major but I worry a lot and it distracts me and sometimes gives me the "butterfly in stomach" feeling badly. I'm sad most of the time as a result.

What else do you do to take your mind off things? Are you studying at the moment?

I used to like clay sculpting and acting but because of these negative feelings I find it hard to get started or enjoy them. I'm Year 12 at the moment and feel like I'm a worthless student who is basically invisible, I want to feel like I belong in the class and am doing well...but I don't feel like that (despite assurances from parents and school reports that I'm doing okay) I feel like the reports are exaggerated the teachers say things like "Contributes well to class discussions" but I feel like I've barely done anything and I feel like I'm an outcast, none of the other students want to invite to me to hang out or even sound like they enjoy my company.

So in conclusion, It's no so much I have panic attacks or least nothing major or critical . But more I find myself INCREDIBLY Sad and lonely. Until I see a counselor, psychologist etc. I feel like I must keep talking about it, I feel like if I stay silent it will just get worse. So that lead to me posting on and visiting this forum quite a bit, I felt slightly good just typing all this out and talking with people but then I start to think I look crazy which then leads me to this post.

I'm sorry I didn't answer everything or if I want off on a ramble, if there was anything else you would like me to describe I'm willing to explain.

P.S The webchat does help a bit, It helps calm me down a bit and I'm liking my time on the forum.

Thanks, Liam

NicoleP · ‎23-10-2014

Hi Liam

Sorry about my last post - for some reason the format changed and all my dot points disappeared. Probably says something about my computer skills.

year 12 is a really busy and stressful time in your life. Exams, decisions about the future and all the pressures of being a teenager. How supportive are your parents and are you able to talk about all this with them?

I am sorry to hear that you are so lonely. If talking about it is helping then that is great. Wish I could make it all better for you.

Kezza

Liam007 · ‎23-10-2014

Hi Kezzaa,
Thank you so much, it means a lot to mean.
Ive mentioned this to my parents and we are trying to work through it.
I should also mention Ive only just started YR12 so I still have another year.
Thanks again, Liam

NicoleP · ‎23-10-2014

Hi Liam

I am really pleased that you have the support of your parents. Remember that they love you unconditionally and want the best for you. I have 3 teenage children aged 17, 18 & 19. My middle child suffers from anxiety - like mother like daughter. It was really bad a couple of years ago. I found it really hard cos she shut us out. She let me take her to appointments but would not talk about anything but I also understood that was my issue and that she had a right to privacy. Oh, I've gone off track (so like me).

Year 11/12 is a busy time. What are you interested in doing when you finish? You sound quite artistic.

K

Liam007 · ‎23-10-2014

Kezzaa

I was hoping to become to become an actor or go into the film business, perhaps do some sculpting activities through out life

I worry that I've upset my parents though, I said things about myself that should never be said ever.

I'm hoping to see a psychologist soon...in the meantime. I think I should just keep coming here. Does that sound okay?

Thanks, Liam

NicoleP · ‎23-10-2014

Do keep coming here.

Your parents will be okay. With my daughter I just wanted to help her. I think that your parents will be okay with what you have said. For starters they were young once too. Secondly, it is easier to deal with the known than the unknown - if they know what you are thinking and feeling they will feel more empowered.

You are doing well at the moment and things will work out.

k