Terrified to Start High School in September
TeenHeathFX is truly sorry to hear about how much distress you are in. It sounds like there is a lot around relationships right now that is really scary for you in terms of who you feel is there for you right now and who will be there for you in the future. Close relationships with friends and family are generally our anchors that help is to feel safe and secure as we move on through life. And it sounds as if you are worried about those anchors right now and subsequently feeling fearful about what the future will hold for you.
Given the amount of distress you are feeling FX recommends that you meet with a reputable mental health professional, such as a clinical social worker or clinical psychologist, who has experience working with adolescents, anxiety and attachment issues. It would be helpful for you to speak to a therapist about your relationships with others to see if there have been things getting in the way of forming close, secure relationships with people that your therapist could help you with. You didn’t say anything about your parents, but it is important that they know what is going on with you and how they can be helpful to you with this. If you find it difficult speaking to them about these kinds of issues, then that is also something your therapist can help you with.
FX also thinks it would be beneficial for you to speak to your school counselor about this – at your current school and once you get to high school. It would be very helpful for you to have a trusted adult at your school who can talk to about this and who can provide you with the support and guidance you need.
FX appreciates how difficult all of this feels right now, but there are adults out there who can help you with these issues. So please reach as soon as possible so you can get the help you need and so that you are not dealing with this all alone.
If you live in northern New Jersey and need help finding a therapist you can call the Access Center from Atlantic Behavioral Health at 888-247-1400. Outside of this area you can log onto the US Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website for referrals in your area. You can also contact your insurance company to get a list of in-network mental health providers or check with your school social worker or psychologist to get a list of referrals in your area.