Anxiety. I'm running out of options here...?

Question

So, I have rather bad anxiety.. Recently, about 8 monthes ago, my parents split up, and my mother and I moved to an apartment, and I guess I maybe haven't adjusted yet. I have panic attacks every month or so, and when I'm not having panic attacks, I seem to have a lingering feeling of panic and depression. I feel hopeless quite often, and alot of the time I just feel surreal, as if I don't know who I am, or who my friends and family are. I don't feel completely familiar with anyone. I'm frankly kind of scared of going crazy, cause it seems to be that even inanimate objects scare me. The trouble is, I'm only 15, and I can't take meds. Even if I could, I wouldn't want to, but I've tried talking to a physcologist, I've tried natural remedies, I've tried excersizing more, and I've taken caffeine and the like out of my diet, but I'm still struggling with being a nervous wreck. Is there anything at all left for me to do, or should I just suck it up?

Thanks to everyone for answering, and in answer to some of the people, I seem to have a problem with medication. I'm not sure if it's because I'm so small (5'2", about 100 pounds) but they just seem to really screw me up. I get really lightheaded and they make me feel as if I'm spinning and spinning, even if I stand still. I just get terribly dizzy. Vertigo, I guess you could call it. I also wouldn't want to get into a situation where I couldn't stop taking the meds.

Answer 1

You are doing a lot better than you think you are. Just the fact you are admitting all this stuff bothers you, shows you are facing your fears, and are on your way to being a sane and stable adult. Sometimes we have to grow up quicker than we want to. But don't let go of your childhood just yet. Hang on to as much as possible for as long as you can.
In situations like this, the one thing that usually makes you feel the way you feeling right now is guilt. I know that sounds strange but think about it for a minute. I'm sure you feel you could have done something to prevent your parents from splitting up, and most likely, you even feel like it's your fault. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact you are probably the reason your parents stayed together as long as they did. The sooner you realize this, the better off you will be.
Next, you are probably racking your brain trying to think what you can do to get them back together. I can say without any doubt, please don't waste your energy. There is nothing you can do! If that is to happen... it will be as result of something they do. The problems they have can not be solved by you. They must do that themselves.
Something you have to really watch out for, especially in the future, is being used as pawn in the on going battle between your parents. They don't always do it on purpose, but it happens all the time.
The last bit of advice I would like to pass along, is don't be afraid to or feel guilty watching out for yourself. Your feelings are sure to be neglected by your parents at a time like this. They are in a highly emotional battle that is sure to continue for many years to come. In the mess, someone like you is not given the consideratrion that you deserve. Remenber, it's OK to put yourself first sometimes.
You are not going crazy. Just the fact you are seeking help in matters like this show you are living in more of a realistic world than most people in this world.
It's time to take sometime out. Do some stuff by yourself, and with friends that really care about you. And don't let this problem tear apart your life.
Plain and simple... stop bearing the cross for everyone. You are bearing much more weight than you can or even should.
This isn't going to be easy, so if you need to talk more now or in the future, you can email me at [e-mail]
I am a good ear, should you need one.
The best to you.... Your going to make it!
P.S. Meds are a temporary solution. Your are going to have to deal with this crap eventually. Why add the problem of getting off meds later?

Answer 2

You are correct in inferring that it's more difficult for teens to take many of the anti-anxiety, anti-depressant meds as compared to adults. Teens have tended to have negative side effects, and some doctors and drug companies are suggesting that certain drugs not be used in teenagers.

However, that doesn't mean there are no drugs out there that might help your problem. In reading your question, I truly think you need to verbalize to your psychologist that you want to try a very small dosage of medication. This doesn't mean you will become addicted, nor does it mean you will have to take it for the rest of your life. It sounds as though you need something to help you through this rough time, to give you the strength and peace of mind to be able to cope with your anxiety that comes from your situation and that is sometimes common in teens.

Don't just suck it up. You know you have a problem, which is a big first step, and you know you need more help. Tell your mom and your doctor that you really feel you need more help. If your psychologist isn't helping you, try another counselor. Perhaps some group therapy with other kids your age who feel as you do would be a good idea. Tell people you need more help, and let those people help you. Don't be close minded about any of the treatments they offer or suggest. You don't have to feel the way you do. Good luck to you!

Answer 3

Just because you're 15 doesn't mean that you can't take medications that would help your anxiety. You need to see a psychiatrist instead of a psychologist. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can prescribe medications and will be able to diagnose and treat your symptoms effectively. If you go to a mental health clinic that has a large staff, you can address your therapy problems with a social worker or psychologist who can then refer you to a psychiatrist for medication issues. You definitely need to address these issues. "Sucking it up" is not the right way to deal with this problem that could have it's roots in a chemical imbalance and be very treatable.

Answer 4

15 may not be too young to take certain meds. It sounds like that is what you need to do.
You sound very mature and responsible; if you talk with a good doctor, s/he should be able to help you find a drug that works.
You are in the vicious cycle of anxiety; the meds help break it so that the other things can actually work. I too thought I could beat it without meds. Once I 'gave in' to the meds (I took Celexa) I felt SO much better, and regretted not starting them sooner. 6-12 months on the meds can help break the pattern.

Answer 5

you probably need something this is something that probably will go away if you ignore it. It will only get worse. I have had it since I was 13 and I started taking paxil in highschool and I did good........so I stoped it for about 4 years and I did good without it no big episodes that I couldn't handle. But I started college last year and now I am starting to get it again...So I will start a med called lexapro ......just ask what other options you ....just don't ignore it or you will miss out alot in life...Trust me..i know

Answer 6

Poor you! NO, you don't have to "just suck it up" No one should live w/the sort of upset you are experiencing.
Who told you meds are not an option? I am not a fan of meds as a long term, single choice solution. But if you combine meds w/some sort of therapy that should get you on the path of feeling better.
How long did you see a psycologist? I would suggest talking to your mom and dad and your doctor. Again, meds are not a long term solution, but they can help get you to a level where you are able to function and start to work on your problems.
Are your parents aware of your problems? Try going to a different psycologist or psychiatrist & sticking with it. Continue to exercise and cut out the caffeine -every little bit helps =)
Best of luck to you!!!!

Answer 7

Have you tried breathing and relaxation exercises? Those work pretty well for me. I get a lot of panic attacks and anxiety also. Keep up with the exercise, and maybe try to find some group therapy for kids in divorce situations. I understand how you feel about meds, but if you are suffering round the clock, it may be worth a shot.

Answer 8

Hypnotherapy presents a useful solution to many sufferers of anxiety. This easy treatment method can help you to get back control and improve many areas of your life.

Many people have started turning to hypnotherapy as a form of anxiety relief treatment, simply because this method lets you address the root cause of the problem. This is a fast, reliable and effective method, which has an enormous success rate. So, if you are looking for a simple anxiety relief method, you could find that hypnosis works
for you.

Learning relaxation techniques is one of the best methods of relieving stress and anxiety. Hypnotherapy for anxiety and stress helps you to feel relaxed and enables you to deal with stressful situations.

Hypnotherapy is effective in creating positive changes to your lifestyle. Through hypnotherapy you can gain a deeper awareness of your inner self and gain self-confidence. This in turn helps you to improve relationships as well as emotional and physical discomforts, paving the way for a happier and healthier .

Good luck!!

Answer 9

Personally, I'd say suck it up and go on some anti-depressants that also take care of anxiety. Why wouldn't you want to go on them?? Depression and anxiety is a chemical imbalance and it is not your fault. It's not going to fix itself. Trust me. I suffer from depression and severe panic disorder. I never wanted to have to rely on medicine since my life is so hectic and it's hard for me to remember to take it. Don't do this to yourself! Go back to your psychologist and ask him to give you advice for medication.

Answer 10

Hi,
There is this guide by anxiety expert Joe Barry , he has taught thousands of people to be panic free without any medication using a revolutionary new technique, http://www.panicaway.co.nr , its really a great guide , it should help you get rid of panic attacks forever in a few days

Hope this helps you and wish you the best of health