anxiety Who Should I Tell First? Parents, Counselor, or Friends?

[ZoeyZ13 0]

I've been experiencing signs of depression and anxiety the past month. I had a panic attack a few days ago, and I'm afraid of having another one. I want to get help, but I'm too afraid to. If I go to my parents, my dad thinks i'm just overreacting. I've told my dad I hate my life, but he got angry and said I had everything, a roof, clothes, and an education and I shouldn't have to worry about it. He started bringing up that people had nothing and it made me feel ashamed on how my behavior was. I have a guidance counselor in school , and shes's very nice. I would love to spend my whole day in her office, but I can't. I've been to guidance before and I feel secure and safe there. They take things seriously, their not like my dad who would just say I'm overreacting. Only problem with telling guidance is, they will report it to my parents, and my dad will act up like he normally does. My friends have been their for everything, we've been through some tough stuff and I feel comfortable talking to them the most. We all share secrets together and solve conflicts, but I'm really concerned about is there gonna report it to guidance before I even get a chance.

[Ihadcancer 321]

Zoey,  the teen years are filled with anxiety.  There's also a huge difference between depression and feeling down or depressed about certain situations.  I think I'd talk first to the school guidance counselor but do not label yourself. You're not a doctor and reading symptoms, doesn't make it 'true'.   Tell her you've had some times before xyz when you felt really anxious and know that other people do too, but does she have some suggestions on how to calm down before that test, before that speech, before that date.  Truthfully, during the teen years your hormones are all over the place and can cause a lot of this.  We have women in menopause having the same concerns as you.  Hormones! 

I was a very anxious teen because I was very shy.  I outgrew it and think you probably will, too.  This video is very helpful, with some breathing techniques no one will notice. 

Diane

[Pinky92 44]

Hi Zoey. I'm sorry you're having a hard time, made even more difficult by your Dad's behavior, but he just doesn't understand. Maybe the fact that you're having a hard time makes him feel inadequate as a parent, and your situation puts him on the defensive. But don't despair. If you do go to your school counselor and they talk to your parents about it, that's actually a good thing. Because your Dad may very well benefit from some group/family counseling, which will make it so much easier for everyone involved. I applaud you Zoey, for wanting to treat your anxiety, panic attacks and depression. They are all very highly treatable conditions, I know this from personal experience. Don't despair. You are on the right track. Getting it out in the open in a safe, open environment is the first step. Maybe a little bumpy at first, but then, that's what life is like in general. 

My personal opinion, is to talk to your counselor and let things take their course. Don't let your friends do it first. They're friends, but they're not qualified to treat you. Please move quickly. Good luck to you.

[MARC 430]

When I was young, my sister had agoraphobia with sporadic panic attacks. She did not leave the house for a year when she was just out of high school. My parents did nothing and said she should get over it. I was already out of the house as I am 4 years older then her. Maybe talk to your mother? Or maybe your guidance counselor? Or possibly clergy?