Hi Hannah,

I am sorry you are going through this and all I can tell you is that it happens to a lot of people. It sounds like you are trying to leave the nest, as you should!, and you and your parents both are struggling with it? It’s a “tug and pull” when you are young, and it can cause a lot of conflicting emotions. But as you get older you will know it’s OK to start making your decisions based upon what you want.

About the panic attacks and living in your head wishing you were someone different. I know how that feels. In my case, I have struggled with anxiety and OCD all my life. You would never know it to meet me – I appear social and funny, and I am intelligent – BUT I have inward panic attacks all the time. “Did I say something wrong to this person? Did I do THAT to someone else?” “DO people think I’m a loser?” Stupid stuff I know, but I still question myself. One thing I have come to understand is that many many people deal with anxiety and self doubt – it’s just a part of life. And hopefully there will be those times when we realize we are OK, just the way we are. Life is a process after all.

Anyway, just wanted to say you aren’t alone and hang in there! It will get better.