Stress Center Peer Support

I believe I've always struggled with anxiety/depression but these last few months have been very difficult and confusing. I was watching TV a few nights ago and saw the infomercial. I thought I would look into the program and consider buying it, I can't really afford it at the moment but maybe later.

Well here is my story..

I'm Debbie, 18 years old. I graduated high school last year and my overall high school experience was a good one. I never really had these feelings in high school from what I can remember, I had good friends, and a lot of acquaintances, and was pretty outgoing. I don't believe there is any specific reason I feel this way, nothing tragic has happened to me lately to make me experience these feelings.

I have been avoiding my friends for over 3 months now, and I would love to just feel comfortable around them again. I feel like everyone around me is constantly judging me, including the people I feel the closest to. I have a constant worry about conversation...what I'm going to say next, what this person is thinking about me while they're talking to me..will I stutter? say something stupid that I don't really mean? This has caused me to avoid many social events I used to enjoy going to and having a good time at, and it's not just with people I don't know very well, it happens with my mom and dad also. I find that I feel these feelings the most going out to eat, a one on one conversation... I just seem to over think and over analyze everything and I just want to make it stop. I don't feel normal because everyone surrounding me doesn't feel this way. Is there anyone out there who can relate and give me advice? I would greatly appreciate it.

Thank you so much,

Debbie.

Hi Debbie

Perhaps you are having some separation anxiety from your life in high school or anxiety about your future. High school may have been your safety zone and now you are feeling overwhelmed with over analyzing where your life is heading. When I am having anxiety and/or panic attacks, I always feel that I am being judged by others. It is normally only my perception though due to the adrenaline rush of anxiety and irrational thinking. When you have experienced thinking and speaking irrationally, it makes you fear saying the wrong things. I tended to go into fight (verbal) or flight (usually flight) to get away from or avoid the situation. When I was experiencing "normal" modes, I was fine without irrational thoughts; however, I learned to fear the fear. I believe this program will work much better than physchologist have for me because it provides specific tools to learn to be proactive in future scenarios. I have also just started cutting out refined sugars (especially sweets) which were making me more anxious because I was addicted to sugar junk foods. Just know that you are definately not alone with this. I am sorry to hear that you are unable to purchase the program at this time. Are your parents capable of helping you with the expense? You might want to checkout my profile for more information on my story as well.

I have had anxiety since the first time i had a panic attack around the age of 15 and i am now 20.Ive had ups and downs since then but right now in my life i feel like it is almost the worst it has been. If i am not w/ my safe person i have trouble pretty much doing anything. i hate driving to work (which is 10 mins from my house) and i also feel as though im growing apart from my friends because of this condition. I hardly ever go out with them because i feel like i can not do a lot of the activities that they can. i would absolutely love to hear from people my age or anyone because i feel like there is nobody going through the daily struggles that i am.
Thank you so much
-Chelsea

CHris, I read your profile and i feel like you are going to be a great inspiration. You already are.

Thanks!