Severe Panic Disorder and college?

I am 17. Turning 18 in October. I am home schooled for obvious reasons. I will recieve my diploma this month, and am wanting to go to college for web design. But i suffer from severe panic disorder and am currently not on medication. I don't have a license or job because of this. I also can't attend a college campus. I have been looking at distance learning but will they be skeptical to admit me because of this? Also would i be considered for financial aid? I have the FAFSA form. But i am wondering if this disability will hurt or help my chances? Any information is greatly appreciated!

Yes,there is a reason i'm not on medication. I was put on zoloft when i was 11 years old and i don't remember the 8 months i was on it. I was having thoughts of suicide and was in deep depression so my mother took me off of it.

Just another angle on this - Why don't you try to get help and get out of the house? you're never going to stop getting panic attacks if you don't face the outside. You will get worse staying in all day, it's unhealthy. What about when you need to get a job are you going to stay home then?

But yeah with a disability you are more likely to get more help.

I would think that having a disability would increase your chances of getting financial aid!

try online college... they have this for web design anywhere you can imagine..... this is your best shot....

I'd suggest going to a Psychiatrist if you have severe panic disorder. Is there a reason why you're not on medication?

Yeah, you are better off teaching yourself, in this crazy nation that we live in. Remember those thirty-four college kids that died just because they were in the "right" place but the time was certainly wrong? Belive me when i tell you this, young one, every law that the federal gov. has made in order to protect its' citizens will be transformed again because of people like you and me. We are vainglorious in our own purpose, not like the majority who is just vain.

Have you had professional help for your panic disorder? It seems a shame to miss out on the wonderful opportunity to make friends at college. What about a distance course or a part time course where u not in at college every day but have interaction with others on some part time basis?
Its just long term it would really boost your confidence. I suffered from anxiety too as a child. I then went to work in a shop and it gave me the confidence I needed. I then went off to college and later got my degree. Please try and get help as the world really is your oyster it would be a shame not to enjoy it.

CBT might help you and it doesn't involve taking drugs it just eases you into facing up to difficult situations. There are very good books on this one I would recommend is
http://www.amazon.com/Mind-Over-Mood-Cha...

I would recommend it has helped me deal with things over the years and the exercises do work but you MUST keep at them.

colleges aren't going to deny you based upon a disease or condition you have. Trust me there are a ton of people with generalized anxiety and panic disorders who attend college so you wouldn't be some freak or oddball. Also let me tell you that i am a doctor of pharmacy student and there are several great non-sedating anxiolytics to help you with your condition. Newer meds offer limited side effects and have QD/BID dosing (once or twice a day) These medication could really help you deal and manage your condition. On top of this, colleges have support groups and support centers that can help you manage your condition as well. In fact, i would say that a college environment would place you in a closer proxmity to a larger population of people suffering from the same kind of problems you are experiencing, thus making it easier for you to receive proper therapy for your condition.

There's a good chance you qualify for aid and there are also more and more work from home college courses every year via the internet.

You may want to start from home and do some of the preliminary coursework and then try and work into going to actual classes slowly. Maybe one day a week at first and build from there. I would venture to say that as you get older you will be much more capable of handling going to an actual class.

I would say that overcoming your mental obstacles is most important at this juncture. If you do not have severe agoraphobia I don't see why you couldn't overcome this as an adult. Just keep trying and don't give up. Don't resign yourself to living this life.

Sign up for your Financial Aid.
They are classes for what you need & want.
You wrote a very good question paragraph just now as you asked your question.
~~~Best of Luck~~~

I think they will be understanding of your problem. My daughter took on line classes and loves it! I am sorry for you having this disorder and maybe you could join a support group.

There are other medications besides Zoloft! Go to a doctor and see what else is out there for you. I am sure your mom thinks she is doing what's best for you, but you need to explore other options.

Check into online classes.