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Q: Anxiety?

asked by: ShrekFan88 on August 13th, 2005

New User

Hi, just wanted to start by saying that I am 17 years old. I've tried to talk to other people my age, but no one seems to be going through this.

Well, last year, when I was 16, I finished high school, and started working. I ended up working at circuit city as a salesman (computers, cameras). Well, I noticed a few months after all that, I began to get sick to my stomach almost every day. I would find myself running to the bathroom puking, because I thought I couldn't breathe, or thought I had a lump of food in my throat. I would sometimes puke until it burned.

Well, shortly after that, I would always have an intense fear. Like I had some sort of physical problem, that couldn't be diagnosed. I'd been to the hospital three times, and each time they said I was ok, that I had some major anxiety problems. Well, for some reason, that didn't settle it for me. The feelings still went on, and I continued wondering if I was dying, even though I know, that at the age of 17, and a clean bill of health from the er's, I shouldn't be worrying.

Well, that went on and off.. Some days i'd shrug it off, and just go about my business hanging out with friends, the girlfriend, going out to eat, etc. But, other days, it's like I didn't want to leave my house, in case I was in traffic and an ambulance couldn't get to me.

Well, i'd been going through that for ~5 months, when I moved away to my mom's house to attend college. Well, shortly after that, I was dumped by my gf of 1½ years. I couldn't stop crying or thinking about it. And for a couple days there, I didn't think about dying. I was so focused on her, I couldn't think about anything else. Well, after a couple days, I was just sitting there, and I was just struck with a very terrifying fear of death. If I went outside, I would freak out, and just want to bash my head into something from how it felt. It feels like i'm just going insane and no one can help me. I can't get my mind off of death. And i'm sure it doesn't help that I don't know anyone up here yet.

And, lately, i've had this bizarre thought that i'm being 'cursed' by a witch or something, no matter how stupid I know that is. Since then, I haven't thought much about death, but now i'm constantly focused on 'curses' and such.

Does this sound like anxiety? My mom and stepfather tend to agree that it was anxiety before, and what happened with my girlfriend just blew it up.

Does anxiety really make you focus on death? It seems like I can't do anything without an intense fear. I feel that if I even wake up, i'm going to die, so I try to sleep as much as possible.

Sometimes, I just get jumpy. Like, someone will enter the room and I jump. Or, i'll hear a noise and think something is here, or when i'ma lone, i'm afraid i'll die.

I don't know if it was the pressure of being a salesman at such a young age (although some people can handle that stress well), and no longer being in school, or what.

Does this sound like anxiety to you guys? Or am I cursed, or what?

I'm sorry if I just sound like a whiny teenager, but I just can't understand why i'm like this. No one else my age seems to act like this. I mean, i'm good at hiding it, but lately, I just want to bash my head into something. Like I can't control it.

Also should add, that sometimes when i'm out, it feels like i'm going to stop breathing, and I have to think hard about breathing or else i'll stop.

Replies(5)

Ambience24

replied on August 13th, 2005

Experienced User

Yes ..

You are right that you are suffering with anxiety. Please go to the doctor and sort it out before it's too late and you start avoiding panic attacks( i.E not being able to breath when you are out), sort this out while your young.

I also used to work in sales, since I was 16 and have had anxiety since 16. Yes some people don't deal well with stress and I think that you are right that it's not a good job to do ever in my oppinion for someone who suffers with this. Something psysical is more appropriate.

Remember, your health is more important than your career.

Also rememeber, death is the easy part, you don't feel anything when your dead so why fear it. I think that you are fearing fear itself, as you said. This is what the doctors call panic disorder.

Practice, deep breathing and relaxtion techniques. Eat well, sleep well and have fun , distract your brain from what you are going through, think positive. In fact, don't think, just focus on the moment, what you feel in the moment is very important. Appreciate life around you. You will begin to feel much happier about things.

Let me know if you need any help hun, take care x

Ginak465

replied on August 14th, 2005

New User

Re: Anxiety?

Hey, I just sign up for this. Uhm im 17 too and I think about death 24/7. See I dono what is wrong with my I always think that I am having a heart attack or stroke. I have chest pains arms pains neck pains head pains. I go to the er and they say im fine. I dono what the hell it is but I kno im not fine. Like tonite I was doing ok but latley ive been getting bad headaches pains in my head and neck. From what? I dont know. I htink it might be a brain tumor. I got a eye dr appt 2moro. Im just scared bcuz im a lil over weight and my heart and caca scared me. I had an ekg doen they sed it was fone but sumtimes there wrong. At nie while im in bed my heart will start to race and ill get so scared.. What is that? Its been going on forever. My family says im a hypachondriac. :( I pray every nite the lord wont let me die. I dono what it is tho? But im 17 and I thnk of death all the time..

ShrekFan88

replied on August 15th, 2005

New User

Thanks for the replies. It's helped me a little bit. I've read through these forums and alot of people suggest walking. I guess because it releases endorphines and they make you happy? Anyhow, i'm going to start laying off the sodas and start drinking water, as well as exercising, and see how that works for me.

But, I did have one more question.

Could a major reason why it got worse when I moved away, be because I don't go out and do anything anymore? I spend 22 hours out of the day in this bedroom sitting at the computer. I realize that's most likely a retarded question, but it doesn't hurt to ask.

djajt

replied on August 18th, 2005

New User

I would say you have the same thing as I do, agoraphobia. I have a fear of going out of the house or driving. With anxiety it's hard but I know the only way to conquer it is to force yourself to do something. If you start to feel the anxiety just try to focus on something else and try the deep breathing excersize, deep in through your nose, hold it for a sec and then slowly exhale out of your mouth. Repeat this a couple times it does work.

Even if you just go for a short walk or go to the mailbox everyday to start out, then go further another day you will see that you are making progress. I have had anxiety and panic for 15 years. I know exactly how you feel. It's very difficult to will yourself into doing things you are afraid of. One positive thing to keep in mind is no one has ever died from a panic or anxiety attack. Always remember that.
I also would strongly reccommend seeing a psychiatrist and talkinga about your thoughts and feelings with them. I am not sure about other states but if you are unemployed and cannot afford to pay for the visits, they do have sliding fees in most states. I live in indiana and my visits only cost me 10.00 per session.

I hope some of this has helped you. I'm always around here if you need to talk.

Take care,
amy

PumpinIron80

replied on August 20th, 2005

New User

My Anxiety Started

My anxiety started about the age of 17, and like you, I was focused on death, or the fear of it I should say. I lost my father when I was 15, so I know now, that was a big part of it. My best advice to you would be to see a therapist now. Don't put it off, think you will get better. I am 33 now, and have been suffering half of my life. It took me 10 years or longer to know what was going on. Don't lose 10 years of your life, see a therapist and get your fears under control. You can be helped, and now is the best time before you get so many bad habits that it will take years to fix.

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