so…my psychiatrist sucks.she keeps giving me crappy anti-depressants or mood stabilizers that don’t work.I ask her for the strong stuff but she thinks I’m too young or don’t need it.

My mom is NOT switching doctors! She’s "sick and tired of running around all the time" because of me.

My social anxiety is really bad.I constantly have panic attacks.Lately I have been smoking which has helped A LOT.But of course,I don’t want to continue smoking.I’m only 16 and I don’t want to suffer the bad health affects (and premature aging) later.This is only a quick fix.

So my question is:how can I help manage (or even eliminate) my social anxiety?

Please don’t be so cliché.I would appreciate it if people that have experience give me answers.

What you’re going through isn’t easy but there are some tricks to deal with the sudden onset of a panic attack.

What you should be asking is what is triggering your anxiety? Panic attacks usually come about when something or someone(s) are near and you get stressed out causing the increased heart beat, light headedness, etc. A lot people can’t pin point what triggers their panic attacks, they everything and everyone causes me anxiety.

In that case there are some breathing exercises that you can do, but I’m sure that your psychiatrist has already taught them to you. I would suggest adding something to those exercises, a scented cloth. Get a cloth or rip an old t-shirt up and scent it with a smell that evokes a good memory. Like a favorite perfume or foodstuff such as peanut butter. Just something that is associated with good, calming emotions. When you feel the panic attack coming on, take out the cloth and take a little whiff before you begin your breathing exercises.

Some people have anxiety when dealing with other people. Such as when an unexpected conversation comes up and they freeze and then have a panic attack. That requires more sessions with your therapist but a quick fix is working with your therapist or someone you trust and like to come up with "one liners" essentially a scripted response to common questions and a few "blanket" responses that deal with very random questions. One case I handled I helped a man come up with ways to dealing with common questions such as "Hello, how are you?" so forth and so on.

As for the smoking, what about it calms you, other than the "buzz"? Is it you having something to occupy your attention, something in your mouth so that you don’t have to talk? Maybe you could try switch to a lollipop or gum.

You said that you want stronger medication, it’s true, you shouldn’t take them at such a young age. Your brain is still developing and mood stabilizers can interfere with normal development. Plus the real strong stuff, really turns you into a walking zombie, nothing really clear, wouldn’t be able to drive and such. Maybe you want to be a walking zombie but trust me there’s a lot of stuff you miss out on if you are.

It’s going to take time to completely over take your social anxiety but it is possible.

If you have anxiety, the most common questions are how and where to get help and what help is available. Fortunately, there are quite a few good options available.

1- Ask your friends and family: Often, sharing your thoughts and feelings with a trusted friend or family member can bring relief or help you put things in perspective. This is because your beloveds are usually the nearest to you and can give you the first-hand support.

2- Read books: If you’ve a taste for reading, books offer the best support by saving you a lifetime’s search and changing your life positively. Go to your local library, ask your doctor / counselor, and search online. Just be sure of what type of read you’re exactly looking for. Learn as much as you can as education is the key in managing your fears.

3- Join Anxiety Support Groups: Talking to others with the same problem can often make you feel a lot better. Therefore, groups can be a great way of meeting and connecting with people who really know what you’re going through. They also offer lots of helpful tips and advice to help you deal with your attacks. Support groups can be located by doing an on-line search for your specific geographical territory or through your local phone directory.

4- Find crises lines: Crisis lines can be an effective tool for management of severe anxiety. There are counselors who are well-trained and well-equipped to walk you through an episode of anxiety. Crises lines are also an excellent avenue for finding other resources you may need such as anxiety support groups, the nearest emergency rooms etc. You can find the crisis line number in any phone book, or by searching online.

5- Search for institutes and organizations: There are many government and private institutes and organizations which provide free knowledge on anxiety. These, for example, include Anxiety Disorders Association of America, Institute of Mental Health, National Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health America; all present lots of solo and combined counseling and psychiatric services.

6- Go online: There are several useful websites dedicated to providing information, relief, and support for those suffering or recovering from anxiety. Such sites usually contain self-help strategies and self tests to fight anxiety. There are online-therapies, anxiety management techniques and courses available. You can also sign-up for newsletters, blogs, mailing lists / web rings and forums to share your own and view others’ views on the same.

7- Try audiovisual support: According to some clinical studies, audiovisual distraction is the most effective means of managing the anxiety especially in children. You can also find some wonderful tapes and CD’s that have many different kinds of meditations, yoga or relaxation techniques.

8- Approach counselors or psychologists: A professional counselor or a psychologist, who is on call 24 hours a day, can help you assess your anxiety level. You can also learn and practice relaxation techniques. Often, counseling can help you to identify thought patterns that worsen your anxiety and generate more positive ways to think about your life.

9- Consult your doctor or psychiatrist: While many think that medications should be the last resort for tackling anxiety, at times, you may need a health care professional to find out whether you need a medicine to manage your symptoms. However, do remember, it is always yours choice whether or not to pursue medical treatment. In short, dealing with anxiety attacks can be challenging but by trying different approaches you should be able to find one that is best for you. The good news is, if managed properly, the treatment of anxiety is often successful. Therefore, get help as soon as possible. The sooner you get help, the sooner you can recover.

Chris Apple
http://www.articlesbase.com/mental-health-articles/anxiety-help-is-everywhere-including-online-724361.html