Over the last 2 months i have been scared to death that someone is out to murder me.I know that i'm safe and that i have nothing to worry about but my anxiety has really risen to a point where i don't enjoy life and is scared to go outside.Also when i go through the news and unintentionally find articles about missing kids near my area i freak out even more.I'm starting Year 11 this September and i'm scared this paranoia is going to get in the way of my studying for GCSE and my social life.I don't know what to do, my emotions are everywhere and i feel really low,please help.
Sam
Hi there,
Im really glad that you wrote to me about how afraid youve been feeling. The fear that someone could murder or abduct you seems like a really scary thing to be living with. It sounds especially hard when that fear can be made worse unexpectedly by the newspapers, TV news or perhaps people talking about missing children. Youve said that this fear has been around for about two months, but you havent said whether there was anything specific that caused it. Im not sure if you know what caused you to start to feel so anxious.
I can hear that the anxiety you have about something really bad happening to you is so high that its affecting your ability to enjoy life. Im not sure whether theres anyone in your life who knows how youre feeling or who is supporting you. My best advice would be to talk through your anxiety with someone you trust that could support you. Counsellors at ChildLine are always around to listen and support with anything that is on your mind. Theres also some good information on the YoungMinds website that you might find useful.
Youve said that your emotions are everywhere. Having emotions that are intense and constantly changing can be really exhausting. At this time in your life, as well as everything else thats going on, many young people are also going through puberty. Youve also given me a rough idea about your age, which tells me that youre at a time in your life when changes in your body can affect your mood a lot.
The changes in your body during puberty can cause mood swings and make you feel happy, sad, and angry all within a very short timeframe. Whatever the reason for your feelings, its always okay to talk to someone about how you are feeling. Your emotional health is every bit as important as your physical health and you have the right to get support.
Dont forget that you can always contact ChildLine about anything thats worrying you. Our counsellors are there to listen and will take you seriously. You can also look at our message boards where young people are talking about lots of things, including feelings and moods.
Best wishes, Sam
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