Stress Center Peer Support

Hi,
I'm 14 years old with this terrible anxiety/depression disorder. I have just about every symtom in the book besides the need to go to the bathroom when I'm nervous. I get dizzy feelings, shaky hands, feelings of just not like I'm there, anger, fears of death, fears of going crazy, fears of doing something stupid, embarrassing myself, and so much more. I haven't met anyone yet who has had every single one of these symtoms nor anyone my age with the same issues. It's scary to go through this at my age especially since it all started when I was only 9 years old and that's why I'm asking for some help or stories that relate to any of the following above. I have a hard time going out with my friends if its too far from home and i'm always worrying. I have at least one anxiety attack every single day of my life . Its very hard. I can't be or live a normal teenage life with this problem and I know I would feel ten times better if I knew someone with some of the same problems or someone my age with anxiety. Please, if you have any advice or tips, reply to this please & thank you.

Hi there,

You are not alone. I'm 26 and have been dealing with anxiety since I was a teenager. I went through the same struggles as you, not wanting to go to friends houses and having no one my age to talk to about it. I'm not sure if you have the program or not. If not, it's a great purchase. All I can tell you is to try, face your fears. Try going out with your friends, take baby steps. Just meet them for dinner, or just hang our for an hour or so. The more you try, the easier it will get. You are not alone, we can beat anxiety! We will feel normal again!
Good Luck

hi,
I have had all the symptoms you have described except the shaky hands. I am 37 and just got this disorder about 1 year and a half ago. and it will make you miserable. but i have learned to try and not give it so much power and to try to go back to enjoying my life. it is uncomfortable but with small steps you get get part or hopefully all of your life back. wishing you well.

Thank you both for the info. I will try and remember these things next time I don't want to go out or when I'm having a axiety attack.
I wish good luck to you both

I've delt with anxiety/depression since I was your age, possibly even longer. I know how it feels. It seems like you're different from everyone else, and that you can't have a normal life. Those things aren't true. It's just not possible unless we try. If we lock ourselves up in our room and cry, nothings going to happen, except we start to feel worse and worse. I'm a 21 yr old male, and I just started going to do yoga. I was embarassed at first, but I actually enjoyed it. Gives me a chance to socialize without feeling like everyone is focused on me. Try to find something you enjoy to do. And try not to worry about what other ppl think as much. It's hard, but any progress is good. Good luck.