I think I might have anxiety?

[Kangaaroo]

I'm 14 and I've recently realised I might have some form of anxiety.

Insignificant everyday situations like catching the bus or buying something from the shop make me quite anxious. Whenever I'm in a situation where I know people will be observing me in some way or I will have some kind of responsibility I tend to overthink things; I tell myself I'm going to embarrass myself or stuff something up.

For example, I often resent catching the bus home from school because the bus I catch gets extremely crowded, so the whole journey I worry about how I will navigate my way to the front of the bus, when I should stand up to do so etc. I cannot relax until this is over.

The same applies to social situations. If I'm with friends or people I am comfortable with then it's usually okay, but otherwise I hate it. The worst part for me is when I'm at a party or something and a guest/s is leaving/arriving. This is often when people make small talk or start conversation and I DETEST this, my palms get sweaty, my heart races and I constantly feel like I don't know what to say. A conversation with me basically consists of the person asking question and me answering yes or no.

Also, I play waterpolo as a summer sport and get really stressed about this too. I keep getting put in the top team but I feel like I'm not good enough (I don't think this is a product of the anxiety I just genuinely think my ability is misjudged). I've played the sport for a couple of years and always gotten anxious about it, but recently it's been exacerbated to the point where I will start worrying the day before we have training. We have training twice a week and one game a week so there's only a couple of days when I can relax.

I think I've been having anxious feelings for a while but I always just thought it was normal or I was just overreacting.

I know I've rambled on heaps but there was a lot I really feel like I needed to say (btw, I haven't really told anyone about this). I'm aware the most important thing is not to self diagnose but I also know you need to listen to your feelings, and the feelings I get frequently just don't feel right. Any help or answers would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much for reading.

[Petra]

Yep.....the love we receive from animals is priceless.

Pet 😊

[Emmy.]

Hi Kangaaroo

Just checking in to say hi and see how you're doing?? Did you get a chance to have a talk with your Mum at all?

Hopefully you're up to something fun today. I went and saw "Finding Dory" - love animated films. Have you seen it??

Let us know how you are remember we are all here for you. Emmy

[Kangaaroo]

Hi Emmy,

I'm doing fine, thank you for asking :). I haven't gotten around to talking to my mum yet - right now my grandmother is also struggling with her mental health which has recently started to deteriorate. My mum has been pretty stressed about it, so I think it would be best if I brought up the issue with her at a later date.

Also, I did see Finding Dory. I thought it was pretty good.

[Emmy.]

Sorry to hear about your grandmother. x

[Emmy.]

Hi Kangaaroo.

Just stopping by to say hello and see how you are. How are your school holidays going? 🙂

Been thinking of you. Hope you're doing ok x

[Kangaaroo]

Hi Emmy,

I couldn't reply earlier because we were on holidays with no Wi-Fi. I just wanted to let you know that I've been going really well. Being on holidays, we went out a lot to restaurants etc and it was really good to practise ordering and that kind of thing.

School is back today and I'm positive about this term. Thanks so much for thinking of me :).

[Emmy.]

Morning Kangaaroo 🙂 Great to hear from you.

I am so pleased to hear that you're going really well and positive about the new term.

Hope you have a lovely day back at school today.

Emmy

[Kangaaroo]

So today I found out I am required to read a prayer out in a school mass ( I go to a catholic school). The rehearsal is on Wednesday and the mass is on Friday. I am getting major anxiety for this... Both for the rehearsal and the actual mass. I can't deal with the idea I will have to get up and read in front of 1000+ people, is there any way I can deal with this? I hate this so much.

[Emmy.]

Hi Kangaaroo.

Sorry to hear you're feeling anxious about the prayer you're having to read at mass.

Whenever I'm nervous about something I need to do I find the below helps.

Be prepared - practice saying the prayer at home out loud. Do you know it by heart or will it be something you're reading. If you're reading it out write it clearly on some palm cards perhaps. Try to think that it's a good thing to have a rehearsal on Wednesday.

Focus on what I will be doing afterwards - for example do something nice for yourself after school on Wednesday and Friday afternoon. A favourite movie, time with a friend - something to look forward to and focus on that rather than what is making you feel anxious.

Remember to practice some calming breathing - when the time comes focus on your breath.

Are any of your friends also doing a reading or participating in the mass?? Perhaps you could tell them how you're feeling. I'd imagine they're also nervous too.

Try not to put pressure on yourself hun. Here for you. Emmy

[Emmy.]

I'll be thinking of you tomorrow with your rehearsal. Let us know how you go. Xx