Seeking help for anxiety?

hypothetically...

if i was a teenager in my last year of school and i was to think that i maybe had mild autism (pdd-nos - yes, i have been researching on the internet :) or more likely a slight anxiety disorder, which often makes me feel like **** in terms of confidence and self-esteem, what process would i go through at a clinic such as the brain and mind research institute at sydney uni?

ie, how would i get an appointment and who would my parents/ teachers have to know about it?

and is it worth going if you're not sure you have a big enough problem to actually matter? i mean, i get anxious about a lot of things but i still manage to get by, i occasionally avoid things but im not a recluse my any means...but then again it does affect my relationships with could it just be teenage angst and would i be wasting the clinic's time if i didn't really know what i was looking for?

thanks a lot :)Seeking help for anxiety?
I will answer your very intelligent questions with a few of my own. How long have you been dealing with this issue? Has it gotten any worse over time? Does it interfere with your life? It is a problem you should get checked out if you have been dealing with it for a while, it has gotten worse over time, and/or it interferes with your life. Your health, well being, and happiness are never trivial. If it bothered you enough to look it up online then it is probably something you should talk to someone about. Even if it turns out to just be normal teenage angst it will make you feel better to know for sure.Seeking help for anxiety?
See the posts on anxiety, self esteem, and self confidence, at http://your-mental-health.8m.com/blank_2鈥?/a> some of which follows: Limit "worrying time" to 30 - 45 mns, daily, possibly when you get home, or after your evening meal, but not too close to bedtime, after which, resolve firmly to refuse to worry again on that day. Understand that to do otherwise would be counterproductive to your mental health, and enjoyment of life. Having had your "worry time" for the day, you can just write down any more thoughts that come to mind, and say to yourself: "Well, I'll just have to worry about that tomorrow, won't I?".



It's important to regularly monitor, and deal with a negative internal monologue (self talk), or mental process, such as disturbing thoughts, images, impulses, or emotions, by the process of (a): recognising it, and (b): challenging it immediately. Technique For Re-Programming Negative Thoughts: When you notice something negative, such as: "I can't do this/ am never going to get over this!" or: "Why am I always so useless/such a loser?" or even an image, emotion, or a memory; recognise that it is being generated from the negative part of your mind. After identifying and labelling it, visualise a large, red, flashing, "STOP!" sign, and/or possibly a stern faced person wagging an index finger at you in a negative manner, then say to yourself as forcefully as you can, even aloud in a big voice, if alone: "I know this tactic: GO AWAY FOR A WHILE !!!"



You may want to use either: "ruse", "ploy", "game", or "trick". In the case of an image, visualise a large "STOP" sign, or your preferred version. Some people go so far as to keep a wide rubber band in their pocket, then put it around their wrist, when they catch themselves backsliding, stretch and release it, as a method of reprogramming their mind sooner, but I don't regard it as being strictly necessary. Remember to remove it, afterwards, if you use this method. Try replacing a negative thought with a positive affirmation of your choice, like: "I am a unique individual, with my own set of skills, and good points", or "I may not be perfect, but I'm doing the best I can, right now".



Practice a relaxation method, daily, and when needed, such as http://www.drcoxconsulting.com/managing-鈥?/a> or http://altmedicine.about.com/cs/mindbody鈥?/a>

or http://www.wikihow.com/Meditate and/or Tai Chi, Qi Gong, or yoga.