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Help

I feel like I have anxiety and social anxiety, but I don't want to talk to my parents about it, as they'll just tell me I'm over-reacting. What can I do?

Poppet21
Poppet21Posted 30-04-2023 01:42 PM

Comments

 
LittleMissMonica
LittleMissMonicaPosted 04-06-2023 09:22 PM

I strongly recommend lifeline. I've used it 3 times now and the first time it didn't really help but the other to were incredibly helpful and kind.

 
Blueberry_Kudu
Blueberry_KuduPosted 01-05-2023 07:15 PM

Hey @Poppet21 

It's great that you are acknowledging this and wanting to reach out. When I first realised that I had social anxiety, seeking help from a professional was probably the best thing I did. Try using some of the resources listed below, they may help!

 
dewgong
dewgongPosted 01-05-2023 06:04 PM

Hi @Poppet21 

 

How are you doing? Social anxiety can be really cruel because getting help and speaking to someone about your struggles may be something that triggers the anxiety itself. When my social anxiety was the worst, my biggest fear was telling someone about it and it was really isolating. It can also be super tough to deal with in a school environment where you are often expected to be outgoing. So you've already taken a really brave step to reach out here and ask for help. 

 

I would definitely consider the links that @Chloe-RO and @Sally_RO have given for text-based counselling. I really wish I knew about those resources when I was in school. There are ways to tackle anxiety so that it is manageable which a counsellor may be able to guide you through. Just know that you aren't overracting. It sounds like what you're experiencing is very real and impacting your daily life. We're here for you and I hope reaching out via text counselling goes well for you. 

 
Chloe-RO
Chloe-ROPosted 30-04-2023 08:53 PM

Hey @Poppet21 ,

 

Anxiety is a really real thing. Anxiety itself can cause you not to speak to your parents about it for fear of what they will say.

 

Have you been able to speak to anyone about it? You do not have to carry this on your own. With the right supports, you CAN work this anxiety.

 

Feel free to browse here to find some more information about anxiety and what may help. 

 

It would be great if you could connect with someone and talk to someone such as those on:

Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 https://kidshelpline.com.au/

Headspace https://headspace.org.au/

ReachOut Peer Chat https://au.reachout.com/peerchat

 

By reaching out, they may be able to talk you through some anxiety planning. This may look at your triggers, what works for you and what you can do in the future.

 

What do you think?

 
 
Poppet21
Poppet21Posted 01-05-2023 09:16 AM

Thankyou, I will try this..

 
 
 
Sally_RO
Sally_ROPosted 01-05-2023 12:27 PM

Hi @Poppet21 , how are you feeling today? 

Coping with anxiety can be really overwhelming, especially when dealing with it on your own.

I am wondering if there is any particular situation or concern you have found yourself feeling anxious about lately? 

Completely up to you what you would like to share here. You are free to share as much or as little as you would like 🙂

 
 
 
 
Poppet21
Poppet21Posted 01-05-2023 01:44 PM

I'm feeling alright today, thanks. 

I think I get really anxious and worried when I have to talk to people, such as when I'm in a shop or in class. I get nervous about everyday things, such as doing a presentation, or even partnering up with someone in class. My friends are all super outgoing and confident, and I often feel anxious when they make me go out with them, or introduce me to new people. 

I also feel like I'm falling behind in class, as I am never confident enough to ask questions or ask for help. Whenever the teacher asks me a question, I get really clammy, and go all quiet, replying that I don't know, even when I do. My parents think I'm just being silly and everything is fine. They just want me to do better at school. 

Sorry if I'm loading everything on. 

I thought I might try to talk to a counciler, but I don't want to call, as my parents will find out, because they check my phone. Is there any councilers I can text message? Thanks. Sorry again...

 
 
 
 
 
Sally_RO
Sally_ROPosted 01-05-2023 03:40 PM

Hi @Poppet21 , thanks for sharing more about what has been making you feel anxious lately, and absolutely no need to be sorry for talking about how you feel. It is not uncommon to feel anxious and nervous in social situations, especially when meeting new people or doing presentations. I can understand that having these anxious feelings come up a lot in everyday scenarios can be incredibly uncomfortable and even debilitating to experience at times. 

Please know that you aren't alone in this, and that there are many people out there who also struggle with this. It is absolutely okay to reach out for help and support. 

There are certainly text-based services out there for you to access (some of these already been mentioned but I'll share them again!). Kids Helpline and BeyondBlue are free counselling services that have web-chat options. Additionally, although not specifically run by counsellors, services such as PeerChat and LifeLine webchat are online services where you can talk one-on-one with a peer worker or crisis supporter. 

School's typically have a school counsellor or well-being support available to students, I wonder if that could be another option for you? 

If in the mean time you are wanting to start trying out some strategies to manage the anxiety, it could be worth checking out these articles here and here

I hope this helps ðŸ˜Š

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