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Question by Brooke: I left my counseling center?
After a second stint with my college’s counseling center; I decided I wasn’t going to go back. I first went two years ago for stress and anxiety issues. It wasn’t very beneficial; the counselor basically told me I was stressed (obviously) and had me do breathing exercises, go outside for walks, and write things in a journal, I had enough and quit going.

This fall, I then got refered back to the counseling center after being diagnosed with intestinal issues that are partially caused by stress. I went again and it was the same thing. I only went twice this time, but I’m not going back. It annoys me what a waste of time it seems to be; telling things I’m obviously aware of otherwise I wouldn’t be there!

I realize my problems are bigger than writing things in a journal, doing stretches and breathing exercises. Sometimes I get so bad anxiety attacks I lose all reality and can’t focus or even think what’s going on, and that scares the hell out of me. I’ve been battling stress and anxiety for years, but for the first time I’m really starting to get angry. I’m usually a friendly person, even when highly stressed, and in a good mood towards other people; but that’s starting to change. I find my temper is a lot shorter than it use to be and I sometimes snap at people and it totally takes them by suprise. I get so frusterated I can’t study for exams. I failed an exam last week because I couldn’t get focused enough to study. I sat in an empty room for five hours with all my class material and couldn’t pull it together.

The doctor that suggested I go back to the counseling center said if that didn’t help, I’d have to go to a medical clinic and evaluate whether or not I need to be put on medications. I’m no doctor, but I’m pretty sure that’s what will happen. My parents know I left the counseling center. They seem to think I just don’t manage stress very well and don’t want to accept I could have a mental illness. I need to see a clinical doctor. How can I get my parents to make the appointment? I think they will if I say that I know something isn’t right and it’s beyond the counseling center. My parents tend to worry alot, so I can I get them to make an appointment without frightening them too much? I think if they take a close look at my life they’ll eventually realize something really is wrong. Thanks for any advice you may have.

Best answer:

Answer by Amy S
Hello, I know what you are going through. When I was 7 I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and no amount of talking or learning coping skills was going to help me. There are so many people out there with different kinds of anxiety disorders and some can get over it with counseling and others need something more. I have been on paxil since the age of 12, they didn’t want to put me on meds at first because of my age so they tried pretty much everything they could between the age of 7 and 12. Finally they saw that nothing else was going to benefit me except for medication. What I would do is sit down and have a serious conversation with your mom and dad. Tell them how this is affecting your life, tell them that you have tried to talk with a professional but it is not helping your situation. You are still fairly young and there is no point in living your life stressed and scared all the time. I know I am 22 and if it wasn’t for my Paxil I am taking I wouldn’t of been able to have a normal childhood. Also tell your parents there are many other people out there who take medications for their anxiety and lead a normal life, granted there will always be high stress times but you will be more able to deal with them in a rational way. Tell them how the anxiety attacks make you feel and also let them know that an anxiety disorder can get worse without proper treatment. Before they put me on paxil I actually developed agoriphobia because I was so scared of going outside and having a panic attack. I know what your going through and sympathise with you, I hope this helps you out and I wish you the best of luck.
Sinceraly,
Amy Smith

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