I dated this boy who was three years older than me. When I was 13, he was 16, which is when we started dating. He was very controlling, obsessive, jealous, etc.. He was generally emotionally abusive. Eventually, he became physical. He punched me and left bruises on my wrists after a small argument about him driving me home. I was scared to leave but I did anyway. I moved on. I had anxiety while dating him, but it becomes worse and worse throughout the years. I did have depression but my new boyfriend and friends and family help a lot. But my anxiety seems to be turning into panic disorder.
CONSIDER THIS:
- Having excessive anxiety can make you feel afraid and worried. You are brave for facing your fears and trying to figure out how to fix your problems.
- If you need someone to talk to, you can visit the Teen Central website and click the Help tab to call a hotline or text line. Those with panic disorders may also have depression. Knowledge is power. Click the Learn tab to read about Anxiety, Depression or other topics that may help you. The Stories tab has stories that were submitted by other teens and answered by counselors. The Tools tab has downloadable resources to help you live a more positive lifestyle. You may also consider speaking to a trusted therapist, school counselor or religious leader about your problems. A trusted therapist might be helpful because he/she may teach you useful steps you can take and/or prescribe medication. You also have other options which may mean living a healthier, more positive lifestyle.
- You can be more positive by repeating positive affirmations to yourself whenever you feel negative. Read inspiring quotes, or write down a few things you’re grateful for in a daily journal. Find something positive to laugh at by watching cartoons, reading comics or drawing funny pictures. Have hope and keep yourself from spiraling out of control by always having something to look forward to. This may be a good book you’re reading, movie you plan on seeing or other activity you personally enjoy.
- Spirituality has many health benefits including calming anxiety, increasing positivity and giving a person a sense of safety. It can also give you something to believe in when you need it most, and bring meaning and purpose into your life. Spiritual techniques you can try are prayer, meditation and yoga. You may also attend church services if you’d like to.
- You can try focusing more on achieving goals, genuine friends and taking care of your mind, body and soul. You may also exercise regularly, get enough sleep at night and eat healthier. The more time you spend on positive activities that create meaning, purpose and happiness in your life, the less time you’ll be forced to dwell on negativity.
- Helping others by volunteering can be highly beneficial to your health and overall happiness. Find opportunities online or in your area by visiting websites like Volunteermatch.org. Some organizations include St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Habitat for Humanity, School on Wheels and more. Churches, hospitals and schools also need help. You might want to help animals, children, the environment or homeless people. You can also train to become a counselor and help others who’ve been abused. Consider fostering or adopting an animal from a pet shelter near you to give a pet in need a loving home and unconditional love. An animal can also give you comfort, a sense of security and become your best friend when no one else in the world cares.
- Creativity can help you express your feelings in a healthy way, be yourself more and help cure your anxiety. Artistic activities include coloring in a coloring book, listening to music, creative writing, drawing, painting, clay sculpting, playing a musical instrument and many others.
- No one has the right to abuse or frighten you for any reason. Abuse is a crime. You can learn more about the law by doing research on the topic and reading articles on reputable websites.
- You can head to the Teen Central website and click the Tools tab to download resources called 8 Signs of Healthy Relationships and 8 Signs of Unhealthy Relationships.
- If you have a panic disorder, it’s important to get help because symptoms can become even worse and may even lead to agoraphobia. Here is a helpful article from Helpguide.org called Panic Attacks and Panic Disorders you can read for more information.
HELP YOURSELF:
- In what ways can making a commitment to dealing with your anxiety improve your life now and in the future?
- How can loving yourself more help you have healthier, happier relationships?
- In what ways can you let past abuse and negative situations make you a stronger, wiser person?
