Sometimes, after struggling with the onset of anxiety about a certain event or topic, people can develop anxiety about anxiety symptoms coming back again soon.
When I was younger, I had panic attacks often when coming to school. Things really got bad, however, when I started panicking about having another panic attack. I started to develop avoidance behavior, or, I would avoid things that I thought would trigger more anxiety. At first, I would kid myself into thinking that I just “didn’t want to take that route” over a tall bridge and would walk around a different way in the mall. Or, I wouldn’t say hi to the popular kids when I passed in the hallway because I was TRULY interested in examining the pattern of the carpet as I kept my head down while I walked down the hallway at school (NOT!)
Then, it really started to become a problem. So much so that I would avoid certain places altogether. Later, I learned that there was a name for this: Agoraphobia. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, they explain the following about Agoraphobia:
“Some people stop going into situations or places in which they’ve previously had a panic attack in anticipation of it happening again.
These people have agoraphobia, and they typically avoid public places where they feel immediate escape might be difficult, such as shopping malls, public transportation, or large sports arenas. About one in three people with panic disorder develops agoraphobia. Their world may become smaller as they are constantly on guard, waiting for the next panic attack. Some people develop a fixed route or territory, and it may become impossible for them to travel beyond their safety zones without suffering severe anxiety.”
I took a moment and examined my behavior. I didn’t want to admit it but “Wow,” I thought, “The more I avoid, the more I live less of a full life.”
That’s when I decided that this had to stop. I had to face my fears. Just thought of this is so overwhelming. I knew I couldn’t do it alone, and so I talked to my parents about actually seeing a therapist and taking it seriously. By this time, they were more than relieved to hear that I wanted to see a therapist. I had been staying in the house and avoiding public places more and more and they had had enough!
I’ve just started seeing a new therapist, and I was so glad to hear that we can take baby steps as I start the journey to stop the anxiety. I hope that anyone else out there will take a chance and get some help to face their fears. When you have a skilled therapist helping out, the task ahead shrinks just a little bit. Things are really difficult right now, but I know anything worth fighting for will take a lot of work.
-Anxiety In Teens Contributor