Stress / Question
Published: November 11, 2002
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I constantly feel like there is a heavy weight on my chest, like i'm sufficating to death. I can cry at any moment of the day if I let myself, because I have so much pent up inside (because i've always been so passive and nice to everyone over the years). It's tearing me apart. I feel like every day i'm breaking down just a little more...What's wrong with me?
Signed: Suffocating With Pressure - Breaking Down Every Day
Dear Suffocating With Pressure - Breaking Down Every Day,
TeenHealthFX hears how much you are hurting and is glad that you wrote. It has to be very painful for you to carry the weight of this sadness around with you all of the time. Please know that as impossible as it may seem, you really can get a handle on your feelings and feel better again.
From what you are saying it sounds like your sadness has taken over. Constantly battling those extreme feelings over time is very stressful for both your body and mind, and so as a result you are experiencing symptoms like loss of breath and crying for seemingly no reason. These are not feelings that you should have to live with -- you need to listen to what your body is telling you and get the help you need so that you can start to feel better.
It is important that you know that you are not alone. Many teenagers have thoughts and feelings like this and work through them with counseling and therapy. Although it can be tough opening up and talking about your feelings, it is very important that you understand that this is not a situation that you can deal with by yourself. You need some help getting you through this difficult time.
Writing to us is a great first step in reaching out. Now it is time to take a step further and talk to an adult like your parents, a guidance counselor, a school nurse or teacher. They can refer you to a counselor who deals with teenagers that are feeling unhappy and out of control. It may seem like your situation is hopeless, but professional help and talking about your feelings will help you to feel better over time.
If at any point you feel like you are out of control, cannot deal with life or are in danger of hurting yourself, please seek immediate assistance. If you live in Northern New Jersey, call the 24-hour CRISIS HOTLINE at (973) 540.0100. If you live outside Northern New Jersey, call the National Hope Line at (800) SUICIDE.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
At least 50% of sexually active men and women acquire genital HPV infection at some point in their lives.
