After suffering from panic attacks and worrying excessively I thought after my 4th visit to the doctors I'd have some sort of diagnosis or type of prescription. Because I'm 14 they just blame it on school and exams but deep down I know it's not that,what do I do?
Hi Billie
I'm sorry to hear your story. I'm a lot older than you and can barely remember the streses and anxieties of your age, but what I do know from my long interaction with the psychiatric system as a patient, is that dr.s are reluctant to put labels (diagnosis) on such young people as you when your hormones are playing merry hell. I would also think that to get a diagnosis of anxiety or whatever, you would need to be seen by a psychiatrist, you need your gp to refer you. Have you spoken to your family about this? what do they say?
I wish you the very best
Lizzie
My parents just keep sending me to the doctors but thank you for your advice
Hi Billie,
I'm sorry you feel frustrated by the way you feel you are being hear (or moreso not being heard) by the medical professionals youre seeing. It can feel invalidating to feel like you're not truly being heard.
I went through very similar experiences in my teen years and there will always be people who don't (and sometimes can't) understand what you're going through. I think its GREAT you are engaging in online communities that can share you experiences.
My advice would be to educate yourself as much as you can about anxiety. Read books, watch TED talks, explore advice columns etc. Keep a journal by your side that documents interesting info you connect with and makes you feel known.
The journal is also a safe space to get to know yourself better. By learning more about yourself and anxiety in general will help give you some of the control back since anxiety oftens makes us feel like we have no day in our every day lives.
Don't stop fighting for yourself and your health and good luck!
Hattie