I'm sorry you're having a tough time.

Writing what you feel can help.

What's been going on lately that's upsetting you??

Can you talk to your parents about how you are feeling? Or a school counselor?

I'm homeschooled (by choice), so no school counselor. My anxiety would make it nearly impossible to go to public school, and I've tried in the past. Part of the problem is my parents, so I can't talk to them about it really. I've been having a ton of unresolved health issues, and I'm tired of the way my dad treats us. I feel constantly stressed and feel upset even being around him. I feel bad because my parents give me everything I could ever need, but I'm still missing that sense of security in my own home. I also have been really struggling with my social anxiety lately and have been having a lot more attacks than usual. My parents don't really understand mental health issues, and that's a big part of the problem. I remember all the hurtful things they've said and still say about my anxiety, and how they treat me because of it. I feel ashamed to even have anxiety, and feel like I can't talk to anyone about it. They don't believe in therapy or counseling, and I'm still a minor and living under their roof so I can't seek help on my own. They don't know that I even have this account, and I feel like they would be angry if they found out about it. I can't ever sleep; I get maybe about 4-5 hours on average, and cry almost every night. But, on a happier note, I will be at college in about a year, and will be able to make my own decisions for myself. I keep telling myself i just need to hold on till then. My sister and brother-in-law are at the same college and they are so supportive, but they can't do much for me right now.

Sorry I went on for so long, and thank you so much for reaching out to me. It means more than you will ever know.

Hello Ooms. Welcome to DS. Sorry for what brings you here, but glad you are here.

Apology NOT accepted for going on so long. That is allowed and even encouraged here. It helps with the sorting. By the measures of this forum, you did not go on very long, at all. Keep sharing. Share freely. Share often. Rambling allowed.

For what it's worth
Isolation is one of the baddest of the bad girls in my own anxiety management. When I allow my world to shrink to Population One, the puppets in my head have free reign to go some genuinely psychotic places with no reality checks to help me sort fact from fiction.

You sound deeply isolated. Please keep sharing here. This on-line forum is no substitusky for live support, but it's a good place to start. Gentle support while you find what works for you.

Welcome aboard.

Yes, isolation is not so great. Talk to your friends at least a little each day - go out for a small walk, meditate on mindfulness -- see Sam Harris Wake Up app.

Very best to you.

Welcome to the anxiety board at DS.

You've taken the important step in writing it out. Keep writing it out. The more you express it safely here, the easier it is to help yourself find the balance in making the best comfort calm level you need for your well being.

You are not alone.

Sorry you're finding yourself in this situation, but you're not alone. There are plenty of people here who understand how you feel and can relate to what you're going through. Write it out as often as you need, People are here for you and are ready to listen.

I am sorry you are struggling. I am glad you reached out here to know you are not alone. What helps me is trying to take my focus off of my anxiety and depression. Easier said than done. I try to listen to praise music and do positive talk. These techniques help me some. I hope you find them comforting too.

1) Healing comes from the inside out. It starts with letting go of the things of the past, forgiving and changing our focus and behavior. Becoming aware of what you need through self-care and personal nourishment. Take time for yourself - you are worth it. Like taking walks, baths, massages, mani/pedi/, listening to uplifting music/sermons and anything that makes you feel refreshed and renewed.

2) The 557 breathing technique is take 5 deep breaths in while thinking good thoughts about yourself like I matter, I am special, I am strong and then hold the breaths for the count of 7 focusing on those words about yourself, then let out the breath slowly for 5 seconds letting go of any anxious, self-defeating, unhealthy thoughts. I do this one to three times a sitting.

3)The gratitude journal is writing down something good every morning and night something that went well in the day, or something I appreciate about myself. Taking our focus off of the anxiety and depression and focusing on positive uplifting things really helps. What you think is what you believe. So thinking uplifting things you believe those things but the reverse is true - thinking negative self-defeating things, you will believe those.

4) Emotional Freedom Tapping - Look up the actual pressure points that you use, but you tap on those points while you repeat positive uplifting things to yourself.

I will be praying for you. Feel free to pm me if you'd like to chat. Hugs and God Bless

Thank you everyone for your warm support and advice. I will definitely try out some of the techniques mentioned. It is helpful to know there are others who can help me and offer advice. I think a big part is isolation, as many people mentioned. Part of my problem is that i just moved to a new state a couple months ago. I don't have any friends here and I didn't have any friends back home either. But, for now, I am so grateful to have found DS and will try to use these new techniques and better myself. Thank you, all of you, for taking the time to reach out to me.

Wow, first, I have to say you're an impressive young lady. You write very well, and had some insightful comments, you're bright beyond your years and I think you'll be successful. Perhaps you're a little more mature than the average teen writing about what clothes are in style.

Not sure this home-schooling was a good idea, and it probably compounded problems with isolation and being in a new place.

I was not popular but had the unusual experience of raising someone who was, sports captain, etc., many friends both guys and girls. If you wanted to become popular, here' some things I observed.

1. Smile and greet people you know with enthusiasm.

2. Be a good listener and genuinely interested in what other people do.

3. Dress well, not ostentatious, but meets social standards.

4. Be careful of grudges and small slights, go on with life with enthusiasm.

Thank you Bobby, those compliments mean a lot. I think I've struggled finding friends for a few different reasons.

1) I have a difficult time relating to other people, I'm not sure why

2) I always find that I am second guessing myself and thinking that people may hate me, even if it is for no reason in particular

3) I have a hard time meeting new people, in two ways. I get very anxious meeting new people, and I never find the opportunity to meet new people since I don't go to school. I do play some sports, but it is a battle to go to practice every day. I have had a mini anxiety attack before every sports practice since before I can remember.

I think what you said about enthusiasm was very true though. I will try to be more enthusiastic about my day to day life, and be more outgoing in meeting new people.

Thank you again for reaching out to me! It means a lot

How are you doing this week? I have been thinking of you and praying for you. Hugs

Thank you caring2018! I am not doing so great, but am hoping next week will be better. Thanks for reaching out!

Just remember reach out anytime, we are here for you. You are not alone with these struggles. We understand. Hugs