Anxiety Disorder Help?

Question

Almost exactly twelve hours ago, a lot of you were extremely helpful when I asked how to approach my parents about a possible anxiety disorder... so thank you very much. I think I have decided how to go about this, and I would appreciate feedback.

I'm over the age of 18 and attend a university about an hour from my parents home. I think I will open with a recent occurance at this university, because they already know the basics of it -- that is to say, I freaked out in the middle of one of my finals and had to leave.

I'm going to tell them that I am concerned this may happen again during the spring... as I have made myself physically ill during exam time the past couple years.

As they are very concerned with education, this should be an easy way for them to understand how worried I am.

Does anyone have any opinions on this? Good idea? Bad idea?

Answer 1

At your college there are
student advisers - counselors - a counseling dept. - office to disabled students.

My daughter sought help on campus, at the advice and instruction of her psychologist. The office of Student Disabilities was helpful in seeking whatever means necessary for that individual student to be able to complete their coursework successfully.

Using their services, it may be possible to take your final in a different place, under different circumstances, etc.
It is obvious that you are making yourself too tense and too upset over the whole thing under your current circumstances. Do seek whatever student-assistance is available and work with both being in Counseling and Student Disabilities help.

Answer 2

Well, from what I've learned, if left untreated it can lead to panic disorder and anytime you feel the stress is too much your body will freak out, in some fashion. Doesn't matter what it is, whether it be you doing something, or whether you hyperventilate...doesn't matter. It needs addressing. Your parents need to know the medical facts of what can occur. You are 18 so you can decide your medical treatment anyways. If it's anxiety, xanax can fix that. If it's panic problems, any of the diazepams can help you.

To find the right specialist who knows what you need, you should see a psychiatrist, and a counselor. You need to make sure they can share notes so that they can both treat you the most efficient way possible.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

It sounds like a good way to approach them. If you don't get the help you need from your parents, go to your adviser or a professor you have a connection with at college, tell them about your test anxiety, and they can hook you up with a counselor at school that can help you deal with this. Most colleges have someone on campus that kind of specializes in helping people your age deal with anxiety. Either way, this is fairly common, but many people hide it because they are embarrassed. Don't be ashamed! There are ways to cope. Best of luck to you.

Answer 4

You have made a start after a long time of social disorders. Stress disorders led into depression feelings and now you panic in public. My opinion is it is all based on having false expectations for love. When there is a hope and it is dashed we feel terrible. It is a long time before panic sets in and it will be a slow process before panic is mastered. As an thinking person you feel you don't understand everything in life as you expected it to be. Keep on asking . The medication is there to help you cope but it will drop your ability to study as well. Take time and be safe in a safe place. Experts in education can understand about the need to succeed.