Hi!

[porschefanatic02]

My name is Josh and I'm 13 years old. I recently lost my dad unexpectedly about 7 months ago and have been dealing with severe anxiety ever since. It is so bad that I am even afraid to sometimes drink water from a cup from the fear of swallowing a foreign object such as glass. I am actively going to a therapist to treat my issues and it is going very well. I am not on any meds yet nor do I want to be but I will probably end up having to. I joined this forum to find comfort and to ease my mind knowing that there are people that may be going through the same thing. My biggest fear is probably death or dying. I am a HUGE car guy and I pride myself on being a fairly good mechanic. I grew up as a Porsche enthusiast as my dad raised me with his 1989 Porsche 911. Thank you in advance and I'm glad to join the forums! - Josh

[CSAJourney]

Josh: I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad and can understand how traumatic that has been for you. I am so glad to hear that you are in therapy but also glad that you have pinpointed the centers of your fears (dying) because some people spend their lifetimes not knowing what's behind the anxieties, depression, and/or panic attacks. While I am not a therapist, I have done a lot of research over the past few years of coming to terms with my conditions and symptoms that it will be important for you to discuss medication with a qualified Psychiatrist and one especially experienced with adolescents. I have seen three Psychiatrists who were medicating me for the wrong conditions so it was no wonder that nothing was working for me. The initial diagnosis for me was "panic and anxiety disorder;" however after a full evaluation by my current Psychiatrist, I have been given elaboration to other undiagnosed conditions like PTSD (child abuse), OCD, social anxiety and agoraphobia, etc. It is important to have a full evaluation and perhaps the associated therapy can help you separate the odds of your fears actually happening so you can realize that you can live a happy, healthy and sane life. The best thing you can do for you is assemble a support team of those who understand. This place is a great beginning!