Am I overthinking or may I have anxiety?

Question

I am currently 20 years old. I have had a lot of life changing events in the past two years. I moved out and got married when I was 18. I had a baby right before I turned 19. Now I am a college student with a 4.0, an assistant manager at my job, and a mother and wife.

Recently I've started feeling like I have symptoms of anxiety/panic disorders after experiencing my first panic attack while driving. Ever since I haven't felt the same. I worry about my physical and mental health 24/7 even though I just had my annual appointment  and my doctor said I look great. Once I start thinking about it I start feeling physical symptoms which makes me worry even more and then I start having symptoms of a panic attack. Although I have these feelings all day long and it has now started to affect my sleep. I just had to quit my job because I've been feeling so overwhelmed because  I cannot control my worries and fears even though I know they are irrational.

I just want to feel normal again for my child and my husband. Could all these big life changes be catching up to me finally and I just feel stress about them all? Or does it seem like I have anxiety?

I am going to call my Dr on Monday to make an appt to tell her how I've been feeling. I absolutely do not want to take meds if I can avoid it, but I'm open to therapy. I felt fine until these past 2 months. Now I am starting to feel alone and overwhelmed with this all. I told my parents how I was feeling and my dad made it seem like I was just over reacting. Which made me feel like I'm going crazy, which makes my stress and worry worse.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

You may be exhibiting symptoms of an emerging anxiety disorder. Certainly, the triggers could be all the stressors and changes you have experienced in your early adult life. Quiting your job due to your distress and symptoms could be another telltale sign of an emerging anxiety disorder. It's a good idea to meet with your doctor, and therapy would be a good first option. In the meantime, please take the anxiety test to see how severe your symptoms are now, and you will also get an initial plan to address your anxiety symptoms: https://anxietyboss.com/test/

Good luck, and let us know how you are doing.