Hey there and welcome to TeenHelp!
It's great that you have decided to reach out for help, and I hope you will receive the advice you need.
First off, I'm so sorry that you are going through this. From what you have described in your post, it sounds like anxiety to me. Of course we are not doctors and cannot diagnose you. Also, just because you are experiencing anxiety does mean that you have an anxiety disorder. Everyone experiences times of anxiety for many different reasons. Some people will get anxious because of an outside factor (i.e. a family member is sick), or only for certain situations(i.e. giving a speech). That kind of anxiety is normal, and as long as it is controlled it will usually go away once the anxiety trigger passes. Then again, from what you described, it sounds like your anxiety is present in many areas of your life and does not go away. What you have described sounds almost verbatim of what I have been going through. I have undiagnosed Social Anxiety Disorder, depression, and just general anxiety. The best advice I can give you is to talk to an adult that you trust (i.e. a teacher, family friend, or school consular). I completely understand that even trying to talk to teachers about trivial matters can cause anxiety ( I will even have panic attacks when I talk to my old teacher, even just saying hello). Even if it seems impossible, try and reach out. I didn't get the help I needed earlier, and now I have severe depression and anxiety. If you don't feel comfortable talking, I would recommend writing a note or sending an email, since it is not face to face I find it lessens my anxiety. I would also recommend trying to find things that calm you down and make you happy. I find that listening/playing to music, exercise, and taking long hot baths is what makes me feel safe and calm.
Back tracking a little bit to when you mentioned public speaking and your physical responses to it. I get the same way, even for trivial things. I learned that my responses were actually panic attacks, but that doesn't mean that you necessarily have them. I have learned that panic attacks come in all forms and most often cannot be seen by others because a lot of it is mental. What I have found to be the most helpful is take a deep breath and reassure myself that I am safe. Sometimes, as silly as it seems, I will think of things that make me happy like puppies or kittens. Even though it seems juvenile, picturing something that makes you happy and childish can lower your anxiety.
You deserve to get the help that you need, and there are people who are there for you both in your community and on TeenHelp, even if it does't feel like it at times.
You can make it through this, don't give up.
PM me anytime, even if you just want to talk about random things(like puppies
)
Clover
