Bullied and anxious
Question
I used to get bullied when I was younger and I now seem to have developed a problem with anxiety. I constantly think that when people are laughing they're laughing at me and it's making me desperately unhappy.
I've been to my doctor but he hasn't been very helpful and that's made me really quite upset. Someone told me to go to another doctor but then I started to think that maybe it's nothing and I'm just being stupid about something that happened a long time ago. What do you think?
Answer
Anxiety can be extremely overwhelming and affect people in a variety of ways, both physically and mentally. Anxiety attacks can be very frightening and even following recovery, it is perfectly natural to feel shocked, embarrassed and upset. Furthermore, to feel people are laughing at you must be terribly upsetting. Please be reassured, your message does not sound at all stupid and there are ways of managing and overcoming anxiety.
Bullying can have long-term effects on people's lives, even once it has stopped. It can cause stress, anxiety, panic attacks, reduced self-esteem and a general loss of confidence. Even family life and relationships can be affected. Therefore, it is understandable you have considered the possibility that the bullying may be an underlying issue triggering your anxiety. If you would like to speak to someone about the bullying you can email Bullying Online on help@bullying.co.uk
Other than the bullying, you don't say whether there is anything happening that may be causing you to feel anxious. It may be that something has happened to trigger these feelings. Or maybe particular areas of your life are making it feel worse, such as relationships or work? You might want think about these issues individually. But sometimes there is no obvious reason for feelings of anxiety, so it's hard to know what is causing it. Talking to friends and family can be difficult but if there is someone you trust to confide in, that might help you to make a start on understanding your needs. It may also give them a better insight into your situation, so they can offer you more effective support and understanding.
But, this can seem hard and if you feel uncomfortable talking to your parents or friends there are places to go for help, information and advice. No More Panic offer very comprehensive information, support and advice via their website. You may also like to consider taking a look at the First Steps website, since they offer further sources of help, including telephone counselling, support groups and a helpline on 0845 120 2916.
There are various treatments for anxiety. Antidepressants are commonly used but it's worth knowing that as with any medication, they do have side effects and can take up to six weeks before they have a significant, positive impact. There are many types and some work better for certain people than others. There are alternative methods of treatment, including talking treatments like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Your doctor (GP) should also be able to explore the treatment options available to you, but if you feel he's being unhelpful it might be worth considering seeing another GP.
Talking to someone like a counsellor or therapist can also be helpful. They may help you to work through your issues and work out ways of handling your anxiety in a confidential, non-judgemental environment. If you wish to seek this form of support independently Youth Access have a search engine on their website which will allow you to search for a local service.
Finally, you can talk in confidence to someone at SANELINE on 0845 767 8000. They are available to anyone experiencing a mental health issue and you can talk through any feelings and worries you have with them.
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Question answered by SANE
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