Drug Abuse

Question by Bee.: Teens: How would you talk to your parents about this?
Okay, so I’ve had problems with anxiety since I was eleven years old. I hate talking about it–it’s humiliating and demeaning and makes me really uncomfortable, especially since I’m 16 and a junior and nothing about irrationally losing your mind is attractive. It’s not easily explained and when I get anxiety attacks or panic attacks, it’s really terrible and terrifying and intense. It sucks, it really, really sucks. It is clinically diagnosed and I do talk to a “Personal Counselor” once a week and then “as needed.”

I’ve never been put on medication before, my parents don’t believe in prescribing anti-anxiety drugs to kids. Don’t get me wrong, my parents are great and don’t refuse me medication because they like to watch me suffer, they’re just worried it’ll give me more problems, which I understand. My mom works in an emergency room and sees kids every week who are on medication and are dealing with addiction, suicidal tendencies, etc. But lately, I feel like I’m getting more and more anxious and anxiety attack last longer and panic attacks get so intense to the point where I get physically sick and can’t calm down. Because of this, I’ve been reading a lot about different medications that can reduce anxiety and I’m willing to try anything at this point to just get it to stop.

So if you were in my position, how would you talk to/approach your parents about this? I get nervous just thinking about it, like I’m letting them down because I can’t get over this on my own. I’ll take any advice you can give.

Thanks!

Best answer:

Answer by Monica
Hey! I think everyone has anxiety to some degree so it’s nothing to be ashamed of. You just seem to have it worse than some people. I think if you told your parents that it has been getting worse for you and that you have researched some on your own they will listen. You can all speak to your counselor about some choices that don’t have the effects that your mom is worried about. There are meds that don’t cause the side effects and that aren’t addicting. Tell them that if you start to get any of the side effects you will stop and that at this point it can’t get worse so you might as well try. I’m also sure if you talked to this counselor of yours that they can help you out. They can either give you advice on how to confront your parents about this or they can bring your parents in with you and have a conversation together about it which is probably the best thing to do. Hope everything works out:)

Answer by Speak your heart; don’t bite your tongue.™?
I have been diagnosed with anxiety for a long time and I know many people with anxiety and social anxiety. Being diagnosed with anxiety is nothing to be ashamed of but it’s important you get the right help and the right treatment.

I would advice you to go and take up yoga as it’s a lot of help and in yoga they teach you how to concentrate on your breathing and concentration levels and it does help. You should also read some meditation books which will help you too and give you lots of important needed tips and advice which will help you out in the long run.

You do need to tell your parents how you feel and while it is true that some people can help people by being spiritual and holistic, and there are some healthy and therapeutic ways to help, in some cases you need doctors, medical attention and medication. There are some meds that help with anxiety and helps by keeping you calm, they have hardly any side effects and they are not addictive. Tell your parents how you feel and ask your doctor and counsellor for more advice and information.

Good luck xoxo

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