16 and scared - Panic Disorders Message Board

Dragoness · 09-06-2002, 05:23 AM

Okay, Hi... I dont really know where to start.
Im from the Uk,im 16 and im suposed to be starting collage soon, but i think im agrophobic. I dont like leaving the saftey of my own home and i can only walk so far down the street (away from my house) before my heart starts to race and my legs go all wobbly and i start paniking that i wont be able to get back home, even though i know that im physically fit enough to do so.
I really hate myself at the moment because it feels so stupid- i know that i can walk to the bus stop and back because ive walked a lot further when i was younger but now i just cant get up there and i just avoid going out.
I havent told anyone about this, not even my parents. My friends are leaving me behind because i can never go out with them and seeing them all starting collage is just worrying me.
I try to walk a bit further every day but panic always overcomes me. I want to help myself and am trying to stay positive but its so difficult when everytime you go out you just get anxious and panic.
I dont know what else i can do to get over this, I really want to because its ruining my life. Its such a scary feeling when you cant explain whats going on, even though i know i can do it, something in the back of my head stops me, thats the most fustrating thing, the fact that i know its all in my head

Anway, i will be really grateful for any replys, thanks,
Dragoness

niecsey · 09-06-2002, 06:52 AM

panic attacks, you must learn some relaxation. you need to break the spiral of anxiety the more you fear it the more it happens speak to ur doctor. i am going to scan some help notes later today for you any anyone else in need good luck

sorry its short

Karima · 09-06-2002, 08:20 AM

Hi,
I read your post and it really spoke to me as I developed agoraphobia as a young woman also. It is sounding like you are definitely having anxiety/panic issues outside but haven't reached the 'housebound' point and that is going to work for you. I read all the best books and got advice from doctors but never put all that knowledge into action. I let my fears take over and keep me from taking that first step and most important, keep on taking steps, not giving up.

First do you have a family member or friend you can talk to and who can work with you? It is helpful if you do because it doesn't take much to give up and stay put. Motivation is necessary and that is where a friend can be so important. Are you able to get medical help or counselling? Sometimes but not always, medication is helpful while working through this stage. You are so right to seek advice now. You are young and healthy and obviously something new is going on in your life to be causing the anxiety.

An excellent book is old but still #1 by Claire Weekes. Do you have a Recovery Program in your area? They work with anxiety/panic/agoraphobia issues and can be very effective. Check your telephone directory.

This is a wonderful website to find caring support and advice. I am new here myself but read the posts and you will see how the members rally to help anyone with panic related problems.

All I can say is not to give up when you think you cannot face opening up that door outside. I listened to my fears instead of learning about agoraphobia in the beginning and let it take years of my life away from me.

Please keep coming here and let us know how you are doing...best wishes, Karima

Dragoness · 09-06-2002, 09:25 AM

thanks, both of you, thats really helpful.
i did call childline for help because i got that wound up with myself. But,as much as i respect what they do, they wernt much help, they didnt seam to understand and gave me other counciling numbers to try, after trying those numbers i either got answer phones or yet more numbers.
I am determined to get through this but im loosing faith in myself because i just feel like im not getting any better. to be honest, im not that sure whats wrong but does it get better? can i overcome this 'fear' ? Thats another thing that bothers me, the fear is the fear of panicing, not the actual place im going, if you understand what i mean.

I wanted to look through a self help book but i only ever go shopping with my mum and cant be seen buying it

I did try explaining my situation to my friend but he went all freaky on me because he didnt understand, he was my best friend but now he just avoids me like the plauge so thats really lost my confidence in telling people, and i dont want to tell my Mum cuz i dont want to be a dissapointment to her- i just want to get over it and prove that i can conquer it.

Look foward to readin those notes ya gettin for me-thanks.

thanks again for reading,
Dragoness

niecsey · 09-06-2002, 12:09 PM

you can get books from the libary, claire weeks helped me to self help for nerves it was called it was that good and easy to understand l think its been updated on numerous occasions

l promise l will try to get them notes to who ever needs them tonight (child permitting lol) take care