I think I need help
I don't remember when my anxiety started. But I do know that within the past 2ish years that it's been getting very bad very quickly. I'm at a point where I know I need professional help. If I continue as I am I'm afraid I'll start self harming again, and I don't want to go down that road twice. I've been looking into service dogs trained to assist people with anxiety. I can get one, but without a "prescription" I cannot have a vest for one or official papers to take my dog into public areas that don't allow dogs.
My problem is, I'm afraid. I'm afraid of going to get professional help because then I become "one of those people." My mother strongly believes in the stigma surrounding mentally ill people... And getting diagnosed won't be fun with her around, even though I'm moving far away to college this fall she is still my legal guardian.
I just don't know what to do at this point. I guess you could say I'm mostly in denial about my anxiety. If anyone can offer help of any kind on this I would greatly appreciate it.