I'm 18 and have been dealing with this for years. I just stumbled upon this forum and wanted to post this.

My biggest fear is getting *sick* in front of people and embarrassing myself. Every time I'm out in public, the minute I feel the slightest discomfort in my stomach, I start panicking, shaking, and I feel like I need to get OUT of there ASAP. I try to calm myself down but that feeling of being *doomed* seriously terrifies me. I freak out when I don't have a way to "escape" if I need to....for example, if I'm in a car with someone, or at a restaurant or something.

Like I said, I'm 18. I dropped out of high school when I was 16 because I'm a wimp and I just couldn't handle it. I basically sit at home all day, every day and try to avoid going out. People are starting to ask when I'm going to get my license, get a job, etc... I WANT to do all of that. I really do. I would give anything to be *normal*. I want to go back to school and actually make something of myself. But my anxiety ALWAYS gets the best of me, even when I swear that I will be stronger.

My dad and I are constantly fighting and he has threatened to kick me out if I don't get a job. This just makes me panic even more and I get so furious with myself.

I really don't know what I'm asking for...just advice I guess. I don't want to live the rest of my life this way. I know counseling or something would probably do me some good, but I'm too terrified to leave my house to go!!

Help please :(