Scarleteen

I have been feeling afraid lately mainly of the outside world. I'm graduating highschool in about two weeks. I have been coming across a lot of knowledge about myself and at times its overwhelming. I've been feeling insecure in my body mainly in clothes while im in public. Also I'm afraid of people touching me. I really enjoy affection and intimacy but lately the idea of being touched or touching someone is too much. I feel isolated when these thoughts and emotions arise for me. Does anyone have any experience with what I'm describing?

Hi Lostand_found,

It sounds like you're going through a lot right now, I'm sorry. The combination of a big change like leaving highschool and the figuring things out when you're learning a lot about yourself can certainly be overwhelming and disorienting. That combination of fear and isolation is really difficult to deal with alone - have you ever been to a mental health professional? It sounds like a good time for that.

thank you for suggesting that I think it is a good time for raching out for help.

Hi Lostand_found,

I just wanted to add that major life transitions, like graduating high school, can cause stress or big feelings about your life to bubble up. So while you're experiencing it in a way specific to your life and the things you're dealing with, you're far from the only person to notice fear or apprehension becoming more prevalent for you around graduation time. I'm glad Siân's advice was helpful, and I second the suggestion to reach out to a mental health professional to talk about how to best cope with these feelings.