Hi, everyone! Anxiety in Teens is starting a new section, every Monday, called Mention it to Morgs. Mention it to Morgs will be a question and answer section, where I will post the questions that I receive via email each week and answer them to my best ability!
In case you are wondering who you’re writing these questions to, my name is Morgan (but everyone calls me Morgs), and I am 21 years old. I am originally from a Chicago suburb, but I’m now a student at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities majoring in Communication Studies with a minor in Design and a minor in Leadership! I am very creative and love to do arts & crafts and to bake. I am all about my friends and family! Most importantly for this column, I am super passionate about raising mental health awareness, so ask away!
I hope everyone had a great weekend! This is actually a picture from me from this last weekend – it was my 21st birthday! I had an amazing time with my family and friends!
QUESTION:
Im 14. I get anxiety attacks quite a lot, and it leads to self harm sometimes. I’m scared and I don’t know what to do, and my parents don’t know, cause they never see it and if i tell them they’ll think I’m attention seeking. What SHOULD I do?
ANSWER:
I’m assuming you’re in 8th grade, and middle school is the WORST. I have horrible anxiety as well, so I totally understand how hard it is. I honestly think you should tell your parents, and I know that for me, that was the hardest thing for me to do. I hope they don’t think you’re just attention seeking because self harm and anxiety are both very serious issues. If they don’t think that these are serious issues, something you can do is show them Anxiety In Teens to show that other people are having theses issues. You can also do some research to show your parents what anxiety actually is! I’m glad you’re seeking out help though because it shows that you do want to take care of yourself, but you just don’t necessarily know how to. One thing you can do also if you don’t want to talk to your parents, is talk to a teacher at your school or a different family member (aunts, uncles, siblings, etc). Because you’re a minor, you need your parents to bring you to a doctor, so this is why you would need to tell them. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to your parents, you can also write them a note! Sometimes when I am having an anxiety attack, I will workout, go for a walk, or take a hot shower blasting music so I can sing. I will just do anything to get my mind off of the anxiety and do something to release endorphins. I know it’s hard to believe or even picture that things will get better, but once you go to a doctor and start to get help, it will start to look up. I would tell them as soon as possible though because the longer you wait, the more difficult things will get.
IF you ever are feeling suicidal PLEASE call the hotline 1-800-273-8255
Like always, if you ever have a question big or small, email Morgs at MentionItToMorgs@anxietyinteens.com!
Here is a quote that always helps me get through the day:
“I swim for brighter days despite the absence of sun” – Jack’s Mannequin, Swim
Keep smiling,
Morgs
Do you have a question for Morgan? Ask confidentially* at Mention It To Morgs page!
*View our privacy, liability & non-medical advice clauses on the MITM page