IS IT ANXIETY??

[redwinflower]

Hi,

 For the past couple of months now I have been having this really strange thing that is happening inside my head. I have episodes where I feel as though every little sound (e.g. someone tapping) is getting magnetised to my head so that's all I can focus on. These ar generally brought on by doing schoolwork (currently in year 11) as the workload is becoming too overwhelming. I experience a lot of self-doubt and feel as though I'm not good enough, and downright stupid.

My main concern is that I don't think anybody understands what's actually going on inside my head, I struggle to explain it as when I am having these episodes I panic so much that it all ends up in one big blur.

I am also always highly self-conscious of what I look like and what people are thinking of me and I feel as though everyone is judging me all the time and I get really paranoid. I also worry a lot about silly things and over think almost everything, right down until the last detail. I also need everything to be perfect and when they are not it bothers me greatly.

I do get a bit compulsive as well, for example if a powerpoint is not being used, it must be turned off, no matter what.

I am not sure if what I am experiencing is an anxiety disorder or a panic disorder or whatever but I am just struggling to cope with these crazy episode things, please help me!

[Zeal]

Hi redwinflower,

What you are describing (aside from the specific feeling in your head) sounds like OCD to me. You will need to go to your GP - explain your symptoms and how you're feeling, and they will assess you and your situation, and may refer you to a psychologist. Don't worry if they do- many people need to see a counsellor or psychologist at some point in their life. The feeling you get in your head could mean you are acutely sensitive to sound, or it could be caused by anxiety. I'm not really sure to be honest. You will need to explain this to your doctor.

I have experienced OCD and general anxiety before, and I was very self-conscious up until I was 19 or 20. I'm 22 now, and I'm studying psychology 🙂

I recommend reading the fact sheets about anxiety on this site. If you Google "coping strategies for anxiety", there will be lots of info about small things you can do personally to make your day more bearable. This will never replace professional advice and help, of course, but is something you can do in your own time 🙂

The first thing to do is to make an appointment with your GP. They will help you to find solutions.

Take care,

SM 

[Doolhof]

Hi Redwinflower,

Welcome to Beyond Blue and to the community here. I think that SM has provided you with some wonderful advice.

I'm not sure if you would have been to the Dr before by your self or not? You could ask one of your parents to go along with you and ask them to wait outside if you prefer.

I would like to suggest you look up a guy here on the forums called Liam. He is in year 12 this year and struggles quite a bit with anxiety. He has been given a lot of advice over time, you might find some of that of interest to you as well.

It also helps to know that you are not the only one who feels something like you do!

You and Liam might be able to communicate with each other and be of encouragement. Liam could let you know what help he has received.

Hope this is of some help.

Cheers form Mrs. Dools