I'm an 18-year-old who's both excited and nervous about planning for college. I sometimes get so stressed out that it feels like someone is strangling me. Everyone around me thinks I'm a great student and that nothing is wrong, but my anxiety is really starting to affect me. Sometimes an attack will start out of nowhere. I don't feel I can talk to my parents or anyone else about this problem. What should I do?
So many kids in your position keep their fears and anxieties to themselves. Opening up to your friends and family about these anxieties will help you, I assure you. Don't think that you will disappoint your family or that your friends will think less of you if you acknowledge these intense feelings. Keeping these feelings inside will only contribute to more frequent bouts of anxiety. I have counseled many graduating seniors who experienced the same anxieties that you are feeling. Every one of the seniors that I counseled felt like a great burden had been lifted off of them once we began to talk about their anxieties.
Consider a few sessions with a therapist. Don't cheat your parents out of an opportunity to understand and support you during this very confusing time in your life. Please write me back once you have begun to talk about your feelings to someone. I will look forward to your letter, whatever you decide.