Introduction

[Zygmunt42]

Hey,

I'm a 17-year old school student and I've been getting general anxiety for a while since i did something really stupid and mixed alcohol and cannabis, provoking a panic attack. Th week after that, I was fine, for a whole week, but the next Saturday the general feeling of anxiety suddenly started and has continued ever since. I feel anxious about a lot of things, I've lost a lot of my motivation, I'm scared of drinking/drugs and even smoking. I feel ok sometimes, when I'm out with friends but I feel unreal a lot of the time, like I'm not really living at all. I don't think the anxiety was caused by drugs, that was one of the only times I've ever smoked cannabis and probably the last. I think I've always been like this but the drug-related panic attack brought it to the fore. It's terrible, I'm so, so scared that I've damaged myself or I'm going crazy. I think too much about a lot of things and I'm pretty scared about a lot of things. I used to be ok but things added up and I was feeling really down at the time of the drugs incident. I don't know how to get back to normal, I'm terrified, I've started counselling but I don't know if it will work. I don't want to end up on pills. I don't know what to do with myself.

Z.

[ladyK]

Welcome Z:

Sorry to hear that you're scared but trust me, one time or even a few times of smoking pot will not cause any permanent damage.  But for you I would definitely stay away from pot.  Not everyone has the same reaction to cannabis.  I have  heard of racing heart, paranoia, hallicinations...lots of different reactions.  Anyway, I hope you find some comfort here.

Take care, ladyK

[lt33]

Yes, don't stress about pot, but don't take it anymore as that reaction's an indication to your sensibility to it. Beware of alcohol as it also triggers anxiety disorders, though with alcohol it's only a matter of not overdoing it (pot is less forgiving, as all recreational drugs). 
One thing you should do is not to stress about that, and don't let that get to your motivation, keep on doing what you like and you'll soon get your motivation back. Maybe you're stressing too soon, you have an anxiety disorder but you realized it in time to manage it properly, just take it easy and give yourself time to get better. Therapy is a good idea. See what's stressing you and putting you down, but don't mind it TOO much!, it seems you're putting yourself under pressure, but you can hardly become mad or develop your anxiety issue if you remain positive and continue what you like doing best!, OK?