I'm 20 years old, and I am finally going to get treatment for my anxiety. It's stopped me from doing and experiencing so many things and I'm sick of not having control over my own life.


I've had panic attacks since I was 13. I never learned to drive because of how much fear it caused. I've always struggled to make friends, and even if I have them I can't bring myself to make plans, or keep myself from canceling them. I throw up from stress. I peel my skin and nails constantly. My appetite is so low I've stopped eating breakfast and often times lunch, and now I'm underweight. One of my few strengths is academics and this last semester I couldn't even focus on studying anymore. I lost a relationship because I put off going on a date for so long that they lost interest. 


I've been to counseling before and have debated seeking medication for a long time, but I was scared (because of the anxiety lol). I went for an assessment at my universities counseling department, and was told I was a good candidate for medications to "take the edge off." Those words were such a relief to me. I was referred to a psychiatrist who I'm seeing next month, and I can't even describe how excited I am. I know it works differently for everyone, and it won't get rid of my anxiety entirely, but I've never felt what life is like without this feeling in my brain and my stomach. 


If you're in the same spot as me, GET HELP. I wish I didn't have to get so low to realize I needed more help. Take care of yourselves, you deserve it.