My anxiety and moodiness are taking over my life.

[Claudiaharrison]

I'm on the edge of breaking down. My anxiety is just driving me crazy. I've been like this after i have suffered afew years of extreme anxiety, heart breakes and bullying. I might appear confident, i hate appearing weak infront of others, but they don't know that I'm in a war with my self. Im anxious where ever i go, I'm afraid of being kidnapped, i have experienced sexual harassment, and it's making me self conscious whenever i go out. I prepare every word i have to say, i can't focus on my studies, i keep biting my nails and pinching my skin in anxious situations. I'm very moody, to the extreme, easily irritated, very defensive. I had a few panic attacks before, was the worst experiences ever. I do have friends, family, but i still feel lonely, I'm too afraid to talk to them bout how i feel, I'm also too scared to go to a therapist to find out i have anxiety disorders. Please help me what to do.

[GettingOlder]

It sounds like anxiety to me but not depression. I would make an appt. with a psychiatrist who specializes in anxiety. There are many out there who do the initial evaluation and then you would see their nurse practitioner for follow ups. They might start you on a low dose medication to help you feel better about yourself.  It's hard, I know from experience, so make that first call and start feeling better. All the best!

[Paxiled]

I would only note that the only reason to see a psychiatrist is if you seek medication.  I have often noted this on here, because most people don't know this -- psychiatrists are medical doctors who study a bit of psychology and a lot of how medication is used for this purpose.  At one time, back with Freud, there was no real field of psychology, and so medical doctors, including psychiatrists, were all that was there outside of spiritual healers and herbalists and the like.  But that was a long time ago, and psychiatrists are now taught the limited amount of psychology they learn from psychologists who teach at medical schools.  By limited, obviously I don't mean none, they study a lot more than most of us have, but it's generally about a year of it, whereas a psychologist generally studies it for four years as an undergrad and then another five years to get their doctorate.  What that gives them is a good knowledge of how the field has evolved over the years and whether a problem can be solved without medication, which is always best if it's possible just as it's always best to solve any problem with the least invasive form of medicine if possible.  If it's not, it's not.  I know many people believe doctors are always the best people to see, and I do agree that everyone with supposed mental problems should begin with a thorough physical exam with a doc to see if there's a physiological origin to the problem.  My own experience was, to be candid, that therapist never did a thing for me, but I'm always hopeful others will get more out of it and not have to use medication, as I did.  Peace.

[specialmom]

In my area, psychiatrists do more than just prescribe meds.  luck to the poster.

[specialmom]

Gosh, sorry to hear how you've been feeling.  What you describe is not uncommon for those who suffer anxiety.  I do not see depression in this myself.  Just whole hearted anxiety.  And if you are in the teen or young 20 years, there are likely some hormonal things going on too.  So, what have you done in the past that has helped?  A therapist would be great or even a school counselor who can offer resources.  depending on your age, telling your parents is essential. They can provide professionals to help and you should run it by your doctor as well.  There are online resources and books/work books on this that can help.  My son has used some for his anxiety and has found strategies to be very beneficial in them.  Anyway, we're to help any way we can.  Let us know how you are doing.

[Paxiled]

Mom, irritability is a sign of depression.  Moodiness is a sign of depression.  That's why I suggested depression is something to look into and why it might not just be an anxiety problem.  Have no idea if I'm right, but a psychologist can diagnose this, but again, those two symptoms particularly are often signs of depression.  They can also be a sign of frustration over things, so it might not be, but just noting why I think it may be a factor.  

[Paxiled]

Go see that therapist, because what you're saying here indicates not only anxiety but possibly depression as well.  A psychologist can help you diagnose this and talk about it in a safe setting, no judgment.  It's a good place to start if you're nervous about being judged by your family or friends.