800-448-3000Anxiety Is Eating Me Alive
Question
Anxiety is eating me alive. My stomach constantly hurts from all the stress in my life and no matter what I try it won't go away. It's gotten so bad that I can't sleep at night because I'm in so much physical and mental pain, and I've been missing a lot of school too. I've tried talking to my mom about how I'm feeling but she thinks I'm faking it for an excuse to miss school but I'm not. I'm in so much pain in my head and in my body, and I feel like there isn't anything I can do to fix it. Please help me.
Counselor response
We are glad you reached out for help. Anxiety is very real and can make it difficult to concentrate and focus on the task at hand. It is even more frustrating when you ask for help and can't get any. You did the right thing talking to your mom, she may want to help but may not be sure of how to handle it so she might be avoiding it. We would encourage you to see your school counselor or school nurse. With their help you may be able to address the need with your mom to see a therapist or doctor if that is what is needed to work through your anxiety.
When you miss a lot of school and seem to be minimally sick (not running a fever) it can cause our parents to question if we are sick. Instead of telling your mom about it, try writing down the details of it. In your journal include the date, times and what is happening during this time. Then show the journal to your mom. This will help your mom to see how often your anxiety is distrupting your life. It will also allow you and your mom to see if there is a pattern to your anxiety. Maybe you experience the most anxiety in the mornings. Maybe you feel more anxious after you eat certain foods. Maybe you feel more anxious when you go to bed too late. We don't know if there will be any recognizable patterns, but it is certainly worth checking for.
When your mom gets you in to see a therapist or doctor, take this journal along with you so they can see what types of things you are facing and how often.
You may also find it beneficial to call the Boys Town National Hotline and talk to one of our Professional Counselors at 1-800-448-3000. We can help you work on some coping skills that may help you deal with and work through you anxiety. You also may benefit from our website and the tips offered on that site at www.yourlifeyourvoice.org. We would encourage you to focus on the Coping Skills and Anxiety Topics to start:
Again, we are glad you reached out and ask for help, that takes a lot of courage.
Sincerely,
Tom Crisis-Counselor