I am 18 years old and for most of my life I have been extremely uncomfortable around people. I try to avoid social situations as much as possible, unless it's something I know I need to do. Over the past 4 years, it seems as if I have developed more symptoms. I started to pull out my eyelashes (about 3 years now) and once I tried to stop that, I started to crack my knuckles constantly instead (about 6 months now and I still pick at my eyelashes but not as badly). It's to the point where my hands are sore from the knuckle cracking. Lately, I have been getting headaches, sometimes memory loss, loss of appetite, (when I do eat) I feel nauseous after every meal (but not vomiting), and getting chills and a nervous/scared feeling when there is nothing to be nervous/scared about. Right now, my symptoms aren't so severe that my family notices; I would say the symptoms are at more of a mild stage since I can continue my normal life. Therefore, I haven't talked to anyone in my family about it, so I'm trying to figure out what is wrong myself. What I have found so far that matches best is an anxiety disorder; however, my symptoms do not seem to fit under a certain category of it, since everything seems to be coming from all different areas. What could it be?
Q: Is it possible I have an anxiety disorder?
Hi, I know exactly how you feel. I am 22 and my anxiety started about 3 years ago just out of the blue. I started off just having scared feelings for no reason, but gradually it got worse, to the point where i thought I was dying from a heart attack or I was going to pass out. Im not an expert, but I believe that the eyelash plucking and knuckle cracking are all nervous habits, I bite my nails like crazy and twirl my hair when im nervous. I believe that the first thing you should do is make an appointment with your regular doctor and explain to him/her how you have been feeling and all your symptoms. Let them rule out any physical problems, then they may suggest seeing a therapist to get to the root of the issues or a psychiatrist or medications. My regular MD prescribed me medication for the panick attacks and I see a therapist regularly, you can get better with help from professionals. Try talking to your parents if you can, explain to them you are concerned and would like to tell your doctor how your feeling. Like I said, im not an expert, Im just speaking from experience. Hope this helps! Take care.
It certainly sounds like you could be having a form of anxiety disorder. I would see your doctor asap to let him/her know how you are feelings. I'd hate for you to continue to develop other symptoms or worsen when there are medications and/or therapists you can talk to that can help you deal with what you are feeling. Anxiety for me happened after a major life event and though mine is mostly controlled with medication (an antidepressant that helps anxiety) I do have breakthrough anxiety and it can still feel intensely miserable and uncomfortable. I know it is a very distressing and unsettling feeling that you are dealing with and I don't want you to deal with it alone when you can get help, there are people trained to assist you get past this hurdle as well as many different medications your doctor can prescribe based on your specific needs. Big hugs and make that appointment!!!
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Don't forget if you are in school (High School or College) there are counselors you can access easily. If not, there are hotlines you can call if you are overwhelmed. At worst you can always go to your local Emergency Room for help or an urgent care center. The person that answered your question first had some good thoughts: talk to your parents if you can. If you can't talk to another person you can trust that can help you get help. If you feel to overwhelmed or anxious to do it yourself --- do find someone you trust who can help you take the first steps and if you need to, ask them if they can go to the fist appointment with you. Reach out to any resources you have if you are a part of a church -- your pastor or youth leader might help. Anything like 4H you have leaders. Try to look toward your parents or any other person in your life whom you can draw strength on and help you get through it.