Pat's Answer
Sometimes I feel really anxious, my mind races
Every now and then I’m not sure why but I go threw a few days of feeling really really anxious – my mind can’t stop racing and I can’t focus on any one think and I’ll have a pain in my chest for days . It’s been like this for 2-3 years and it happens maybe every 2 months . I can not find anything taht explains this online , it’s not a panic attack and it’s not an anxiety attack . It sometimes lasts a week . Is this a health condition maybe and not anxiety at all ? Is it common ? Thank you
Answer
Hello, you are very welcome to Ask Pat,
Thank you so much for trusting us with your thoughts. We know it can be difficult, but we also know how great it is for young people to share their problems. Talking about and sharing what is going on for you is a big step forward.
You are saying for past 2 to 3 years that some days you feel very anxious, where your mind can’t stop racing and you are unable to focus on any one thing and you also have a pain in your chest that can last for days. It sounds like you researched a little online and you are wondering if it could possibly be a health condition, and you are asking is it common?
We are sorry you have been feeling this way for such a long time. You have the right to seek professional help. Here at Childline we are not medically trained so we cannot answer your questions for you. Do you think this is something you would be able to talk to your doctor about? It is understandable that you are feeling very stressed and cannot concentrate or focus on other things. It sounds like you have a lot going on for you. You are taking the brave steps in reaching out and seeking help.
It is important for your own mental wellbeing that you get the help and support that you deserve. We are concerned to hear how you are feeling. You sound very mature in not wanting to self-diagnose, and it is important that you get a professional to make that diagnosis for you. You have the right to that support, and to feel safe and be happy. You have the right to talk about your thoughts and feelings and be listened to. Have you spoken to anyone in your family or another adult about how you are feeling? This adult could be a parent, guardian, teacher, friend, GP, or school counsellor. It is the responsibility of the adults in your life to make sure that you get help and support when you need it. We know though, that sometimes it might be difficult to share how we are feeling with those nearest to us.
There are organisations that may help you and offer you support about your thoughts and feelings. www.yourmentalhealth.ie is one of those. You might like to look at their website to gain information about the supports available to you. The Childline website also has some articles which you may like to look at on www.childline.ie/how-i-feel
If you feel that you cannot talk to anyone around you just yet, Childline would really love to listen to you. You are welcome to talk to Childline by phone on 1800 66 66 66 or by text to 50101 or through our web chat on www.childline.ie. Childline is here for you anytime and we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The services are free and confidential. We are non-judgemental, and we will not tell you what to do. We can help you explore what options may be available to you.
Thank you for reaching out to us. We are here to listen, and we are here for you whenever you would like to chat.
Take care of yourself,
Pat