anxiety?

[yassie16]

I am only 17 years old but I'm pretty sure I have been experiencing panic attacks recently. I had my first few "attacks" when I was about 15. I went to a doctor and the doctor said it was just anxiety and I should try doing some breathing techniques. After being reassured that I wasn't going to die, I pretty much stopped having them or I was able to calm myself down if I felt one coming. All of a sudden after two years I started having them again. I got one about a month ago after dealing with a lot of stress and again just a few days ago also after dealing with a lot of stress. I notice that both times I got them right before my period (I don't know if that has anything to do with it). Both attacks have revolved around a problem. I also have more stress and decisions than a normal teenager has (like my stress doesnt come from breaking up with boyfriends or something stupid like that) but I have a lot of family problems and future decisions. I'm not sure if I should be concerned or not..i get so depressed when it happens. theyre like depression attacks.

[Paxiled]

Not sure I agree about the medication at this point, as you're still functioning, you're just not happy about it.  The fact it happens right before your period is significant; it could be hormonal.  It could be the stress around you that you need to learn how to deal with better.  Anxiety or depression medication won't fix any of that, it'll only medicate it.  I'd try seeing a doctor first, then if nothing physiological is found you might try seeing someone in the holistic profession to see if you can balance your hormones.  The best hormone testing is done by holistic nutritionists, not physicians, because they test you over time.  And I'd get into some sort of counseling to learn how to deal better with the stress, because stress will always be there.  If it's not one thing, it's another, that's just the way life is.

[RubyWitch]

Have to agree, more or less, with Brian. You need to see your doctor again about both the anxiety and possible depression. If you are under more stress than the average teenager, and IF you DO have these conditions, the sooner you get the help you need, the sooner life will become less of a battle for you.
I think you should be concerned to a point, and that point is that left untreated, either with meds and therapy or a combination of both, they are only going to get worse and become much more difficult to deal with.
You sound like an intelligent young woman, so use that intelligence to seek the help you need.
I wish you the best.
Peace
Greenlydia  

[Brian0357]

It just sounds like the depression. I would get with a doctor about medication or look into some therapy.