lost beyond belief

[Trish86]

SO I came across this in a search online. Sophie's post inspired me to eventually come clean and finally address how I feel.I am now in my mid 20's.I have been brought up in a loving caring large family not spoilt but anything I needed or wanted to do in terms of education or sports I was looked after well. One day a few months before my main high school exams I experienced something I had never before experienced or could explain. I was sitting in class and my mid went blank and dizzy i had to get out of the room. Since then the past seven years have never been the same. I have struggled on not knowing what this is or how I was feeling and still to some point don't. I went to university and have a good job however the enjoyment out of my life is sucked out. To look at me and know me you would never know. I am just sliding through life without being able to stop worrying or fearing things and having mild anxiety attacks thinking I can't breathe or face a certain situation I hate being on my own and I could be in a crowded room and feeling extremely alone. Its so overwhelming I don't smoke take drugs or go mad on drinking. I exercise lowds but my mind cannot stop racing. Sometimes I have good days others I don't, my family just don't get it. I have tried explaining but like sophie its seen as if I am over dramatic about things. I am a kind caring nice person who would try their best not to do wrong on others but my mind is stuck and I fear I will never be happy. To add to things both my parents are young and are both battling cancer and everyone is saying stay positive which I am thats the funny thing I can be positive to everyone and everyone says god you are such a strong person however I am not positive about myself. Where do I go from here? Anyone have advise?Could it be a hormone imbalance?I have never been on medication for this and I would like to try other venues but im scared to go for help and need confidence to do this.Advise would be great...
Regards,
A very scared female.

[JustaGal]

SO I came across this in a search online. Sophie's post inspired me to eventually come clean and finally address how I feel.I am now in my mid 20's.I have been brought up in a loving caring large family not spoilt but anything I needed or wanted to do in terms of education or sports I was looked after well. One day a few months before my main high school exams I experienced something I had never before experienced or could explain. I was sitting in class and my mid went blank and dizzy i had to get out of the room. Since then the past seven years have never been the same. I have struggled on not knowing what this is or how I was feeling and still to some point don't. I went to university and have a good job however the enjoyment out of my life is sucked out. To look at me and know me you would never know. I am just sliding through life without being able to stop worrying or fearing things and having mild anxiety attacks thinking I can't breathe or face a certain situation I hate being on my own and I could be in a crowded room and feeling extremely alone. Its so overwhelming I don't smoke take drugs or go mad on drinking. I exercise lowds but my mind cannot stop racing. Sometimes I have good days others I don't, my family just don't get it. I have tried explaining but like sophie its seen as if I am over dramatic about things. I am a kind caring nice person who would try their best not to do wrong on others but my mind is stuck and I fear I will never be happy. To add to things both my parents are young and are both battling cancer and everyone is saying stay positive which I am thats the funny thing I can be positive to everyone and everyone says god you are such a strong person however I am not positive about myself. Where do I go from here? Anyone have advise?Could it be a hormone imbalance?I have never been on medication for this and I would like to try other venues but im scared to go for help and need confidence to do this.Advise would be great...
Regards,
A very scared female.

Hi,

Getting blood work done at the doctor is a good idea. They can test thyroid etc. Hope you feel better.

[gypsylee]

SO I came across this in a search online. Sophie's post inspired me to eventually come clean and finally address how I feel.I am now in my mid 20's.I have been brought up in a loving caring large family not spoilt but anything I needed or wanted to do in terms of education or sports I was looked after well. One day a few months before my main high school exams I experienced something I had never before experienced or could explain. I was sitting in class and my mid went blank and dizzy i had to get out of the room. Since then the past seven years have never been the same. I have struggled on not knowing what this is or how I was feeling and still to some point don't. I went to university and have a good job however the enjoyment out of my life is sucked out. To look at me and know me you would never know. I am just sliding through life without being able to stop worrying or fearing things and having mild anxiety attacks thinking I can't breathe or face a certain situation I hate being on my own and I could be in a crowded room and feeling extremely alone. Its so overwhelming I don't smoke take drugs or go mad on drinking. I exercise lowds but my mind cannot stop racing. Sometimes I have good days others I don't, my family just don't get it. I have tried explaining but like sophie its seen as if I am over dramatic about things. I am a kind caring nice person who would try their best not to do wrong on others but my mind is stuck and I fear I will never be happy. To add to things both my parents are young and are both battling cancer and everyone is saying stay positive which I am thats the funny thing I can be positive to everyone and everyone says god you are such a strong person however I am not positive about myself. Where do I go from here? Anyone have advise?Could it be a hormone imbalance?I have never been on medication for this and I would like to try other venues but im scared to go for help and need confidence to do this.Advise would be great...
Regards,
A very scared female.

Hi Trish and welcome :)

It does sound like you're suffering from anxiety and depression - these things often show themselves in the late teens/early 20s. Feeling alone in a crowded room, as you say, is a classic symptom of anxiety/depression. In my bad episodes I had this feeling like I was stuck in a bubble just watching other people go about their lives and I was completely separate from that. It's a horrible feeling.

You've taken the first (big) step here by admitting you feel bad. Do you have a regular doctor that you can talk to about it? Just make an appointment and get your health checked out and if there's nothing physically wrong then he/she can help you with the anxiety/depression. Anti-depressants (SSRIs such as Prozac and Zoloft) helped me get out of some quite severe episodes. There are other ways of dealing with it but I went with meds because honestly, I was desperate.

Talking to people who understand is very helpful, so feel free to keep posting (the best place is in the "General Discussion" board in "Anxiety Disorders").

All the best to you :)
Gypsy x