Really bad anxiety, need help :(

Mental health
1

Hi everyone, I'm new to this so apologies if my post is in the wrong place/section...

I've struggled for a fair few years now, interacting with people...I'm generally known as shy/quiet, even if I don't want to be. 

It was only since starting college, with completely new people, I realised how bad my 'shyness' was.

Everyone around me was making friends, but I didn't feel I could. I went out for lunch on my own, to the quietest places so I could be alone, I dreaded being asked questions in class, and started avoiding college. 

It got bad, to the point I was worrying about everything. I saw my GP and he referred me to a CBT therapist (but there's a 2 year waiting list...) I didn't want to go on medication as I'm only 17.

For a few months I felt slightly better, happier, but I feel things have got just as bad again,

Not only am I avoiding people and college, I've started worrying about my health, and having physical anxiety symptoms leading to me becoming a complete hypochondriac.

Last night, I had a strange pain/sensation in my calf. Within minutes I had diagnosed it as a blood clot, and within an hour I was at A&E, with the pain getting worse, chest pains, a headache, a complete wreck. 

The doctors wanted me to take a blood test, but I have a massive fear of them, or fainting...so bad I just couldn't do it, so they booked me in for an ultrasound this morning. I was too scared to sleep in case I died in my sleep. The ultrasound was clear and the doctors said I was at very low risk of a blood clot so I could go home. 

As much as this should reassure me, I still have the pain and I keep thinking 'but what if the blood test said different, what if the ultrasound made a mistake...what if I'm the exception'. I keep panicking and getting more and more scared, worked up and again having physical symptoms like chest pains.

I'm at breaking point now and I don't know what to do anymore. I have no friends, my attendance at college is very very poor. I feel helpless, and scared I have a serious health problem to the point I'm scared to go to sleep tonight.

Advice would be massively appreciated!!

2

NHS usually suggest CBT but a more in depth talking therapy would be more helpful I think. Your health anxiety may suggest that it is covering up other past feelings and emotions . Maybe triggered by your experiences at college, which could be one reason why you are going less and less. There may be a low cost therapy place in your area where you should be seen much quicker.

3

hya yeah iv been there, its hard,i can remember turning up at a/e thinking I couldn't breath, anxiety is really unpleasant, Im a bit the same at the moment nearly ran out of a shop this morning coz I cudnt breath. im waiting for an app to see a psychologist, have u spoken to anyone about your issues

4

I had lots of awful symptoms 4 years. Agoraphobic for 20 yrs. Tranquilisers/anti depressants not really help. Finally got psychologist who gave me CBT and got to root of problem and what was making me ill. I suggest u try and find what is bothering you deep down. It helped me no end. GOOD LUCK. WE WILL BEAT THIS THING WONT WE?