Should I seek help for my anxiety?

[CurlyHairExtradinaire]

Hello. I am new to BB forums and online conversation in general so your patience is appreciated.

I have social anxiety. I have not been medically diagnosed but I am sure I my feelings.

At first I was very adamant that I did not require help. I am in the firm belief that i must resolve my own problems.

I have had these feelings for just over two years. They began to appear when I was in year 8 during a period if ruthless and intense bullying by a large group of my male classmates that continued until the end if that year.

I have always been shy and I am highly introverted however I did not start to feel this way until the time mentioned above. I feel uncomfortable in most social situations and have had panic attacks before.

My mother has been supportive of me and for that I am grateful but I feel as if my anxiety is getting worse.

Whilr I recognise the benefits this could cause, I do not fancy being patronised by someone who views my fear as classic teenage angst. Dissmissing my views as antention seeking or God forbid hormonal because they come from the mouth of a fifteen year old girl and not an adult.

Honestly, I am afraid and I don't want to be anymore.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

[white knight]

Hi CHE, welcome

You won't be patronised. There is little doubt you have a condition that began in that horrible year.

But it is essential you get a diagnosis...really important. Reason being, there is often other illnesses beyond what you know about...PTSD, dysthymia etc that, if not treated becomes worse. If that happens, you'll then realise ...prevention was better than cure.

Apart from my other conditions, I've had anxiety since a boy. It peaked at 31yo. That was 29 years ago, I'm 60 now. But at 29 I was taught relaxation exercises among which was muscle tensioning. If you could learn some if these techniques then you'll do yourself a big favour because it effectively is the reverse of anxiety.

So as a start a visit to your GP is a must.

Tony WK

[blondguy]

Hello CurlyHairExtradinaire

I was bullied big time in school..I still remember....ugh...

You have been through a really bad time and Tony WK has given great advice above.

I have had nasty anxiety attacks that started years ago...Not a nice place to be in CHE....

You are not alone here...the forums are rock solid secure to ensure your privacy if you wish to elaborate

• Anxiety/Panic is adrenaline pumping way too much when we don't need it as a result of ongoing stress
• The feelings/symptoms are awful but will decrease over time

As Tony WK mentioned, please see your GP to help your recovery.....There are many people like you on the forums...If you have any questions or even just want a chat, you more than welcome 🙂

It would be great if you could post back CHE....(We are non judgemental)

My kind thoughts for you

Paul

[CurlyHairExtradinaire]

Thank you both for you're feedback! It is much appreciated. Its great to get perspectives from people who have gone through similar experiences as me.

My anxiety mainly causes me to get very scared in certain social situations like in classes at school or talking to new people. I have had panic attacks before but the aren't as frequent as the used to be.

I always avoided the idea of talking to a professional about my anxiety and I don't think it's done me any good. The thought of talking to my GP about this still freaks me out but I've done some more research and every thing I've read validates the advice you have given me.

To tell you the truth I never expected such a supportive community and i think it's amazing what everyone on here is doing.

I have talked to my friends about it and they are supportive.

Thank you so much.

-Ruth

[blondguy]

Hi Ruth

Thanks for posting back and your heartfelt mega compliments too 🙂

What a wonderful post.

My Best

Paulx