Other Skin Conditions: Moles, Birthmarks, Dryness, Etc. / Question
Published: March 25, 2001
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I am 14 and have a serious problem with blushing. I am always nervous; I get worked up about the littlest things. My doctor prescribed me anxiety pills but they don't work at all. I have to have physical therapy because I am so tense. This is causing serious emotional problems that makes my blushing even more frequent, and I feel depressed a lot. I'm afraid to see a therapist, but it may turn out that I'll have to. I talked to my mom but she says it will go away, I guess she doesn't understand me. Do I have an Anxiety disorder? Please help me. I would be grateful for an answer to this problem.
Signed: Serious Blushing
Dear Serious Blushing,
It is hard to say whether you have an anxiety disorder, but it is clear that the problem is causing you a great deal of stress. Blushing is a normal involuntary reaction that results from dilation of the superficial blood vessels in the face. Researchers have been unable to discover a clear physical reason why some people experience frequent blushing while others don't. Fair skinned people seem to be more aware of their blushing because it is more noticeable.
Being self-conscious of your blushing is probably making it worse. Being "always nervous" increases the activity of the autonomic nervous system, which leads to blushing.
TeenHealthFX wants you to know that seeing a therapist is not something that you should be afraid of. Therapists are there to help you and are trained to deal with problems such as yours. Learning relaxation techniques will help you decrease the amount of nervousness you continually experience. The therapist can also help you confront emotional situations that trigger blushing and help you realistically assess how others perceive you. Once you are able to overcome the anxiety that triggers blushing, its frequency and intensity will decrease and you will be able to function in settings that were previously threatening. If you continue to struggle, your therapist could refer you to a medical doctor who could assess whether medication would be beneficial.
If you need a therapist and live in northern New Jersey you can call the Access Center at Atlantic Behavioral Health at 888.247.1400 for an appointment.
Hang in there things can and will get better with the right help.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Less than 33% of teens with depression get help, yet 80% of teens with depression can be successfully treated if they seek help from a doctor or therapist.
