Teen is troubled by bouts of acute anxiety
Dear Amy: I am a teenager, struggling with school issues, anxiety, and worries about where I want to go in life.
I have been experiencing panic attacks since seventh grade. My parents have been very supportive, but they don't want me to get counseling. They believe I should try to deal with my hyperventilation and stress issues myself before we transition to the medical side of things. I respect this, and I understand their views. I'm asking you for help because your advice could just give me a push in the right direction.
When I confront a challenge, I usually just become angry and want to give up. I get stressed at the smallest things and I'm very sensitive.
Usually, I release my anger by crying and complaining, which eventually leads to panic attacks. For me, the transition from middle school to high school was very hard -- more kids, harder classes, people growing up too quickly, etc.
I don't like high school and I tend to find myself becoming nostalgic about the past. I have a lot of friends that moved to different schools, which is also tough for me.
Some of the people that I knew from middle school are now making bad decisions that I know will eventually get them in a lot of trouble. Although I am willing to take on the workload of more challenging classes, I usually find myself so incredibly unhappy that I cannot do my best work in school.
I've tried many stress-relieving techniques -- deep breathing, yoga, and meditation -- but they just don't seem to work. What can I do to overcome my anxiety?
-- Stressed
Dear Stressed: Your parents seem to associate counseling with medication, but counseling involves talking, strategizing, confronting, and coaching -- and not necessarily medication (although medication might help you!).
I am impressed that you are trying so hard to tackle this on your own, but yes, you would benefit from counseling, and I hope that your parents support you getting professional help to deal with your anxiety. Any treatment should start with a thorough professional assessment. Your school psychologist or counselor would be a good first stop for you.
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