The first thing that went through my head

when I read this definitely had to be, "Oh my gosh, I

know exactly how this kid feels!" I love sports and I somewhat

enjoy school, but sometimes it can be a BIT overwhelming.

And this person is right. Sometimes I can't handle, school,

sports, friends, and family all at the same time. And sometimes

I cry. But now I'm glad to know that I am not the only one to feel

this way.

I wore down my parents constantly worrying about things that teens usually don't. "Will mom make it home from the store?" "What if dad gets in an accident on his way home?" " Will my brother get hurt at football practice?" Why were all these things in my mind? I couldn't relax. My mother says " You never can truly relax, can you" to me in a joking way and I shrug it off. But it sunk in, maybe I couldn't. Was I losing control of my worries? Unable to push them out of my mind? Yes. I was. I talked to kids at my school, asked them if they ever felt like they were going to explode with worry, they said yes. Sometimes teens get stressed. Sometimes we get overwhelmed. Sometimes we break down. But that was my life. Sometimes was all the time and I knew I needed real help.

After talking to my parents they agreed, if I needed help, they would provide the help. And they did. I saw a counselor who helped me deal with my anxieties and although I haven't pinpointed a "cure" I feel healthier than ever. I haven't regained my spot on sports teams but that's okay. I play my sports outside of school with my friends and I go without the stress of practice times and game days.

Please. Don't read this and think "I have to quit my teams and focus more" That isn't true. As a teenager find your own lifestyle. What works for you? Can you do homework until 4 am every night without a problem? Do you want to go home every day after school and miss the fun parts of sports? It was a hard decision but do what is best for you and don't let others influence your choices. You are who you are and you can't change that.