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View Full Version : New to the whole anxiety thing



Vibrations
10-16-2010, 10:12 AM
Not totally sure how to start this out. I think I just had a realization yesterday after talking to a friend who has had similar experiences to me.

I think when I was younger, about 8-11, I had some serious anxiety. I remember being constantly worried that my family was going to die. I would go everywhere with my parents, because I was afraid that they would leave and never come back. If they were late for anything, I would freak out thinking they were dead (car accident, random shooting or something, I lived near Detroit so it wasn't such an odd thought). So morbid, I know, but it was the scariest time of my life. I had plenty of panic attacks and that weird feeling and not knowing how to explain it. I eventually got over it because my parents got cell phones. If they were late for something, I could just call and make sure everything was good. I was perfectly fine until a few months ago.

I'm now just about 19, in my second year of college. I'm 600 miles from my family now. Last year wasn't a problem at all. Unfortunately for me I got a little bit hooked on weed this past summer, and by a little hooked I was high like all day every day. But it was summer and it was fun and careless. At the very end of the summer I had a panic attack while high. I suddenly realized I was getting older, thus my family is getting older, and so they could die soon. I started worrying about my parents health and all this crap that I can't control. My parents are currently 45 and 46, so not even old. But I still can't seem to stop worrying about it. It also doesn't help that my brother, who is autistic, is about to turn 18. My parents are in the process of updating their will and if they die I'll become my brothers guardian. If I'm not my brothers guardian he'll become a ward of the state. Not what I want. I think most of my problem is that I'm having a hard time adjusting to my new role in life. I'm starting to feel the burn of being an adult. I live on my own with my boyfriend full time now, I'm responsible for my life, my well being, my finances, everything. I just feel myself constantly wanting to back peddle. I don't feel like I'm ready for the adult role, and the thought of having another person depend on me is terrifying. I can hardly keep my own life in check.

As well as having the fear of my family dying, I'm beginning to worry about my own well being. I can't seem to handle the thought of myself dying, either. It absolutely freaks me out.

I have since stopped smoking weed, I'm trying to better myself. I'm trying to fix this whole anxiety problem, it's ruining my life. I just don't know how to make it stop! I haven't put much thought into being on medication. I guess what I'm looking for is support, advice, anything that could potentially help. I hate this feeling of having no control.

Also, am I the only one who has this odd fear of death? I feel like I'm so alone and weird. When I try to talk to people about this they just don't understand what I'm going through.

Fishing_guy
10-16-2010, 10:44 AM
It's a personal subject that people don't talk about, but fearing death is a normal human condition. Most everyone has that fear of death and losing loved ones, I know I do. You can't let the fear overcome you, but having it is normal.

It sounds like you are just growing up. Going to college and becoming an adult is stressful and is a natural time to feel anxiety. Trust me, your not the only one your age that feels this way.

Itzomi
10-18-2010, 11:26 AM
Hi there!!

I hope you don't mind my saying first-off that smoking weed and anxiety/panic attacks can go hand in hand. I am new to the board and have seen a few different people already who started getting panic attacks from smoking weed. I hope you do swear off the stuff because it really can mess you up.

I am 45, so the age of your parents. And I can tell you that, even at 45, I don't want to be an adult. :) I miss not having any major responsibilities, not losing family members, etc. It's just one of those things that we all have to deal with eventually and can't control. Luckily, 45 is still young and your parents have MANY more years left in them, so try not to worry about something that's so far in the future. You'll have time to worry about it when it gets here (years from now). In the meantime, enjoy your life and the ones you love!