anxiety disorder?

Question

i am a 13 year old girl and i have an anxiety disorder. i was wondering if anyone had any tips for dealing with an anxiety disorder. i have had this since i was seven years old and i take medicine. Sometimes i feel so lonely. Any advice from someone who's been there, done that?

I have been to counseling.

Answer 1

I agree with the other posts that you should seek professional counseling but just in case you're scared to ask your parents, or don't feel comfortable talking to a professional, I recommend reading a book that has helped me a lot called "Feeling Good" by David Burns. It's kind of a big book but don't let it intimidate you...just read the chapters you think will help.

I've been fighting anxiety on and off for years and that's one book that I truly think has helped.

Good luck.

Answer 2

There are several anxiety disorders.

Social Anxiety Disorder (SocAD or Social Phoba)
Specific Phobias
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Panic Disorder (with or without Agoraphobia)
Acute Stress Disorder

A psychologist, psychiatrist or clinical social worker will be able to help you determine whereabouts you may fall within the spectrum of anxiety disorders. This will determine what type of treatment will help the most. Often times, therapy is a must. Sometimes medication can be used too.

Anxiety disorders are the most common type of psychiatric disorder in the country. You're definitely not alone, but I really recommend finding a mental health professional. You say you've been to a counselor. These people can't always help. Specifically trained psychologists and social workers do what is called Exposure Therapy (meaning gradually increasing, controlled exposure to whatever causes your anxiety) and psychoeducation (where you learn more about your disorder, where it comes from, and how people typically overcome it). Aspects of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy are also used in the course of treatment. Counselors can help high-funtioning people with mild disorders, but they don't always have the arsenal of tools to use against people who are really struggling.

Answer 3

First of all, you'd slow down with your mindset -- take one step at a time when you walks, eats, on the Internet, or, drinking, etc. Then, you'd feel the minute feelings of the anxiety each time it occurred. Then, you'd need to start to sort out the sources of your anxiety -- what things or people would make you feel anxious. If you're anxious all the time, which is probably the case, then, you'd need to talk to someone to let things out of your chest that which would make you feel better. So try to lessen your anxiety and pressures a little each day. The point is attend to your anxiety first and everything else second. You got it? Then, ready to go. Keep taking meds. If it didn't work well, then ask your doc to change it for you.

Answer 4

Ask mum and dad to refer you to a psychologist, he/she will go through your life and try and get to the bottom of your anxiety, help you understand it and cope with it. There are lots of people in the world with the same problem though it may not seem that way. Its good that you can pinpoint it. You will be fine. Wish you lots of happiness, you are not alone.

Answer 5

Ask your parents if you can go to counseling. They teach you how to work throught the panic attacks, and therapy will help too.