<p>I've had pretty severe panic attacks since I was really young, age 10 or before...I appear to be a "normal" member of society until you get me in a car, in the dark, or in a locked room. Then I basically lose control of my body for a few minutes, but the feeling of the attack can go on for hours. For long rides and such [like to college visits and vacations] I'm basically sedated.</p>
<p>One of my various school counselors just thinks I should commit myself to a treatment facility and give up any more education [Yes he said that multiple times, although I got a big scholarship b/c of my ACT's/class rank]...but I want to make something of myself outside of this town.</p>
<p>...I was wondering if there was anybody on here who has panic attacks, anxiety, OCD, or something along those lines and has done well for themselves, getting good grades in college and such...It'd be nice to see a couple inspirational stories =)</p>
<p>Do not listen to that counselor! Unfortunately, there are school counselors who are incompetent, and you have had the misfortune to encounter one of them. This counselor is not a psychiatrist and does not have the training to pass judgment on you like that. Obviously, if you have a good class rank you are coping with high school very well, and you need to take advantage of that nice scholarship.</p>
<p>If you've been sedated for panic inducing situations, that tells me that you have a doctor who is helping you manage the panic attacks. And once you get to college, you could look at the counseling center. I think the services most colleges offer are better than what is available at most high schools.</p>
<p>My D started having anxiety attacks in high school, particularly when she was away from family and somewhere unfamiliar and crowded, like subway trains. She started seeing a psychiatrist and is on anti-anxiety medication which has really helped. When she started college, she had another couple of attacks during the first semester and her medication was adjusted and she has been doing well since then.</p>
<p>You can at least try to make it before agreeing to commit yourself somewhere on the advice of a counselor. That would be a decision to discuss with your psychiatrist.</p>