How did I get here?

I’ve lived in the same community all of my life. Although I’m pretty shy, I’ve always had a small group of close friends. Together we enjoy hanging out and going to parties.

I worry a lot about things - whether I will pass a test, whether someone really likes me, or that something bad might happen to me or my family. In the past, I could usually push these kinds of thoughts out of my mind, but lately I’m bothered by them way too much. I'm so worried about what bad things might happen, that it is often difficult for me to just relax and enjoy myself. I’m even starting to get startled by little noises around me.

Sometimes at school, I feel as though there is a lump in my throat. I worry about anything and everything, and it makes it impossible for me to concentrate on my school work. It feels like I always see the bad side of things. My friends tell me that I shouldn’t worry so much, but that doesn’t seem to help. I feel so uptight, that I sometimes I just feel like I need to be alone.

Today I decided to call a friend who has been really understanding about all of my worries. I asked her to come to the park so we can talk.