If you in college then you should be able to see a counselor for free since you already pay for it in your tuition. I am in college and I have been to the counselors there. At my school they offer one on one sessions for a short period of time but group therapy is also available for longer periods of time. I have been to the doctor also. He prescribed me medicine and suggested I see a therapist. Also because I see a general doctor, every time I need to get my medicine refilled, I have to go back to the doctor. If you go your doctor will probably refer you to a specialist. You should go. I think group therapy helped me for my problems. It is always better to ask for help than to hold it in. Anyways good luck.

You should never be afraid to talk to someone. No matter who you see (i.e. a doctor of some sort or a counselor) they will not just cast you aside and ignore your problems. Don't be afraid. If you're to the point where you're on the floor and hyperventilating then you should really see someone! I think that what Kazagirl has said here is very helpful and i would try it! But no matter who you see, you must keep a positive attitude when you go in there. They are there to help and service your needs! They want to help you... all you have to do is ask! Good luck and I hope you find some peace of mind!

Definitely talk to a counselor at your school. You have nothing to lose!

When I went, they had me do a few quizzes/questionaires on paper, and then I spoke with my doctor in person after he read my responses. I had a similar situation to yours, although mine were panic attacks as opposed to crying. I was put on Paxil and took it for 6 months. My doctor explains that for many people, this is enough to help the brain chemistry reset, and he was right. I went off it in January 2005 and haven't had a panic attack since. So don't worry. This isn't the end of the world. Get a little help and you could feel a world of difference.

I wouldn't recommend Paxil, I am currently in a law suit against GSK, as it gave me head shocks and made me severely suicidal when I went on it to help with my OCD. :/

However, your problems won't be just dismissed. What triggers off the crying? Do things just get too much or do you have stressful times every so often? Or is there no trigger?

I would speak to a counsellor and doctor and maybe seek psychotherapy to help you with this. Don't worry though, you are not alone anymore!

GET A PHYSICAL.

For the last 11 years I was diagnosed alternately as depressed, OCD, and manic-depressive. Well, turns out I had Grave's Disease, an autoimmune diseases where the thyroid produces too much hormone. My symptoms included insomnia, suidical thoughts, can't-get-out-of-bed depression for days at a time, constant upset stomach, and horrible anxiety, including rapid thoughts (like, I would see a car crash and couldn't stop worrying about driving for hours, sometimes days or weeks). Luckily my doctor sent me in for a full blood work-up, and she saw my out-of-wack thyroid hormone levels.

While I'm not 100% better yet, many of my symptoms have decreased or been obliterated with medication. I am also on blood pressure medication, so when I do get anxious I don't work myself up into a full blown panic attack.

Woah! I am glad I had a thyroid test done today DarlingDA because I've been experiencing these symptoms and have been diagnosed OCD/depression. Wow. I hope mine comes back clear. :/ I also had a prolactin check done for something else so fingers crossed.

Erk, yes... bloodwork... get that done! Everybody should have bloodwork done.

Hi, I recommend that you ask for help, I had a similar problem and I went to therapy for about 6 months and that really help me to see my life in a total different way, so I truly tell you that you should ask for help, the counselor should guide you to a psychologist.

It seems to me that you are having anxiety attacks and depression, that's what come to my mind with the description that you wrote, I hope that you really ask for help.. remember that's the first step..

To add to the above comments:

* Keep an open mind when you seek help. In a way it's like finding a pair of shoes that fits you - meaning be prepared to 'shop around' for counselors. Different people have different styles of communication so don't be afraid to speak up to your counselor if you think that these sessions between you and your counselor are not working out - for whatever reason.

* Be prepared to take one step forward, then 3 steps backwards. It's an on going process and you will get frustrated by the 'lack of progress' to get to a place where you feel at peace. Don't be discouraged if you don't feel 'better' immediately while in therapy - that's part of the therapy. To learn to be (even more) resilient to these panic attacks and emotions.

* I agree with DarlingDA - get a blood test. Remember 'body and soul' - our body and mind are connected together.

* Not ALL physicians perscribe anti-depressins and NOT everyone who is diagnosed with depression goes on medication - I didn't. That doesn't mean that I was not 'severe' enough - it just meant that I explored my options, such as natural therapy, accupunture etc.

* Agree with popgoestheworld - you have nothing to loose! Just to know that there are people who have been through/are go through this - you are not alone!

Good luck and be well!