Stating the Obvious: I am new.

[EmmaThamer]

So this is where i end up while googling things in a panic. Well, maybe it's a sign (:

A little about myself...

My name is Emma Thamer , yes that IS my full first name. Yes, I was called ET all throughout Elementary and Middle school (don't even get me started on what would happen if i had to call home...). I'm 16 years old and going in Grade 11. I live great ol' Ontario , Canada. I'm inlove with everything that has to do with Musicla Theatre, Music, Performing Arts, Singing, Dancing, etc. I visit BroadwayWorld.com more then i visit anythign else (: I am an Advanced University Student with a High Skills Major in The Performing ARts. My favourite colour is what happens when you mix teal and orange (try it, it's great! <3)

Now that I got all that behind us and you know a little about me, I'll start ff by saying, in no way, am i a baby to anxiety. It all started when i was 7 r 8, i was a thumbsucker, and i started to recognize that i'd get really nervous and worried really easily becuase i'd only suck my thumb at that time. When i was 11 I started having Panic Attacks (to the point where I would try to jump out of windows/cars/even a train once) My mom was worried so she took me to a Psychiatrist and They Diagnosed me with Generalized Anxiety Disorder w/ a phobia (Emetophobia, if you must know...). I started on Zoloft (50 mg) and I was on that for about a year before my parents started noticing....somethings. I had started SHing when I was around 11 to deal with the anxiety and over the year it got progressively worse to the point where i was doing it every day (I was 11...smh) So my momtold my Therapist and all of a sudden i was sent in for more tests. Then, over the next two years I was Diagnosed with Depression, Obsessive Compulsive, ANNNNND Bipolar Type 1.

Aren't I just a bundle of happiness?

Anyways, I was taken off the Zoloft becuase i couldn't take it with the Mood Stabalizers and Anti-Depressants I was taking for Bip1 (Which SUCKED, I literally had no emotion for almost 4 months...) Then I started to think 'Hey! Maybe I'm recovering!?'

I spoke to soon. Everything came back this year becuase of the stress/drama/stress/craziness/stress of this year. And I'm so tired of trying to explain to my Parents/Therapist how i'm feeling becuase they really don't understand (The one i'm seeing now focus' on Bipolar.) So...I found this place. And for once...I feel like people might ACTUALLY understand <3

(sorry for longness....:S )

[jumpybean]

Hi Emma, I'm Kay :D.
I also love Musical Theatre and Music! I can't say I'm much of a performer due to stage fright (which has nothing to do with my anxiety issues, haha :P) but my sister is quite the theatre enthusiast and we listen to a lot of Broadway songs in the car together and sing them at the top of our lungs xD.
Also, as an art geek, I'm really curious about that color you're describing.... I think I will try it!
I can't say I have as deep of a history in anxiety as you do, but if you want to know more about me you can look at my little post :).
Also, may I ask what SHing means? I actually know a couple people who are bipolar (and their stories of dealing with anti-d's and whatnot), so based on that I second-handedly feel your pain :P.
I can definitely relate to parents not really understanding your condition and how you feel. That's how I feel about my parents, my sibs, and my friends right now too. I can't really give much advice as to how to deal though because I'm still trying to figure it out myself, haha. I am going to start couseling soon though, so hopefully that helps!

Also, about your therapist not understanding you... maybe a social worker or a counselor might be better at understanding your situation, because I feel as if therapists tend to label people instead based on what I've heard. I'm not saying to ditch your therapist (or maybe you don't feel like your therapist labels you, if not, I'm not trying to assume, sorry!), because if he/she helps with your bipolar you should keep seeing him/her, but maybe, if finances permit, you can try to also see a professional that understands you more as a person and as someone with an anxiety disorder, a phobia, etc. Just a suggestion :).
Well, with that, WELCOME! <3