Why ?!?!

[NataliePina09]

My name is natalie and im 14 years old. I have recently been diagnosed with anxiety. I have problems trying to figure out why i cant sleep, why i feel like im dying slowly, or having suicidal thoughts. I Have Tryed Calming down and talking to my dad about it but he just gets frustrated and gets mad then walks away. I Have gone to the emergency room several times but they say im healthy But im having a hard time believing it myself. I need help tryinq to find my way through this anxiety .

[Julie359]

Ps if u would like to chat to someone ur own age who is going through sleeping issues u could inbox me and I'll let my daughter chat to you... She is a very open, honest and caring girl who could be a mate on slimilar terms... It is completely up to you.

[Julie359]

Hiya, well my twin girls have just turned 15 and I have anxiety issues.  My daughter also has very similar problems sleeping wise and suffers anxiety issues and I will advise u of what help u can access.

First you should approach your head of year and inform him or her you would like to see the school councellor, the school can also do a referral on your behalf to other organisations if they feel it is necessary.  You say that your dad doesn't listen, well you could also ask for a social worker via the school, who will beable to support you at home to make your voice heard.  May I ask what happened to your mum? Does she not live with you and dad? Do you think your anxiety issues are due to family problems?

Given your age I wouldn't say medication is the first step, however if your having thoughts of suicide then this suggests that you are struggling far beyond the point that ur able to cope with and that you need help asap.  At the age of 14 you are also legally able to visit your family doctor on ur own so u could get advice from your doctor.  

Is there another family member who can support you at this time, a aunt, uncle... Someone who could speak to your dad on your behalf?  The letter idea is a good one, as this increases the chance of your dad getting the point of what u are trying to tell him.

You really don't have to suffer in slience and if you start to feel desprate grab the phone and ask to speak to your local childline service, we have this telephone service in England for children and teenagers who are suffering and need help... You will have something silmiar where u are. Make sure you find out the number and log it in ur phone... You may need it hun.

Good-luck and let us know how it all goes.  Remember your not alone.

[mammo]

Hi Natalie,  worrywart gave you wonderful advice.  But your dad needs to realize that anxiety is like any other medical conditon requiring treatment whether it's therapy and/or medication.  For one your age I feel therapy should be the first step. Try writing all of this in a letter to your dad, this makes him really hear what you are saying.  Let him know just how bad it is for you and that it's affecting your day-to-day life. Anxiety feeds off of our fears and worries, and the more we do this the stronger our anxiety becomes...creating more symptoms.  So we need to find a way to break this cycle.  Try journaling your thoughts and emotions, putting this down on paper is a form of release for us and is very therapeutic.  Talk to a teacher, counselor or principal at your school about this....especially your suicidal thoughts.  They can help and will make sure your dad truly understands that this may not be something you can handle on your own right now.  As parents we often don't want to accept that our child may have an anxiety issue, we feel we failed you in some way.  So, your dad may just be in denial, and talking to someone at school will get him to take you seriously.  Try reading when you go to bed and just allow yourself to fall asleep reading, or watch TV.  When we have anxiety and lay down to go to sleep it gives us too much time to worry, which ramps up our anxiety preventing us from sleeping.  You are not going to die, your mind is just playing tricks on you, try to push these thoughts out and distract yourself.  Most of us with anxiety have irrational fears, and this is where therapy is a big help.  Keeping talking to your dad, school authorities, a relative until someone listens and takes it seriously.  Your dad may not have any idea just how bad anxiety can be....let him know in a letter.  You're very strong, and sharing with us is a big first step towards getting better.  You're definitely not alone, we hear from many young people.  It's great that you recognize there's a problem and want help, be persistent so you can get the help you need.  It will get better.  Big hugs.....

[worrywart73]

Hi Natalie, my name is Randi and i was diagnosed with anxiety at 17 yrs old im now 37 and yes it suks to say it nicely i know exactly wat u r goin thru. I have been in ur shoes, the most important thing i can tell u is ur not alone and ur not gonna die or go crazy even tho i totally know it feels like it. It is a horrible disorder but u have to jus face u have it cuz wen u fite it , it only makes things worse. I know its scary but u will get thru this and get better. I only hope ur dad realizes u have a real disorder and starts to support u with it cuz it always helps ta have sumone ta go to wen ur feeling like this. So u say u were recently diagnosed may i ask did ur dr diagnose u and if so did he offer u therapy or any meds ??? I did therapy and it has helped alot but im also on meds cuz if not i feel horrible. U will have ur ups n downs but u will feel better. I wish u the best of luck and hope u feel better soon and know im always here for u and so is everyone else on this web site k. : )