Can I have an anxiety disorder at 19?

I have an anxiety disorder, i'm constantly worrying about what people thinking about me. Sometimes I feel like people are attacking me, when instead, I am just looking too deep into the situation making it out to be something its not. When I am sitting next to someone, and I start feeling uncomfortable, my body sometimes switches, I'm not sure if its noticeable to the other person, but its embarrassing, and the more I do it, the more aware I get, my anxiety goes up. How can I get prescribed to xanax? Do I just tell my doctor the symptoms? How will he evaluate what will work for me?

yes, you were born; therefore you can have anxiety. it's not a disorder, it's the most primordial thing one can feel in regards to one's existence. the "objects" of anxiety are irrelevant. anxiety will always find a way of announcing itself.
read sartre and heidegger they can tell you a lot. "nausea" is quite nice novel, good to start, if you can;t handle their philosophy works.

Xanax is not a cure all it is one of the stronger meds that you'll be prescribed after other treatments don't work for you. I take a pill called Atarax, it is primarily an anti histamine (for allergic reactions) but has an anti anxiety effect which i find very effective without interfereing with my every day life. go see a psychiatrist and talk to them, tell them what is going on other wise do breathing exercises or think of other things, like the person next to you in his/her underwear :D just an example

I have severe anxiety and that doesn't sound like an anxiety disorder.
Mostly social phobia and lack of self confidence.

If you had an anxiety disorder you would have what I can best describe as a ball of anxiety inseide your chest, and sometimes sharp pains.
You would suffer from panic attacks and anxiety attacks.

I had the same problem at 19. I was just very self-conscious. I didn't seek any help. I just kind of worked my way through it. You should just be yourself. If people don't like you or attack you, it's their problem. As long as everything is ok with you, you do what you like. by the way, I don't recommend using xanax or other drugs. I've heard many horror stories of it's dependence and side effects.

It sounds you have low self-esteem/confidence in yourself, and this may be making you have these anxiety attacks. Just tell your doc the symptoms and he'll assess you, and perhaps offer you medication or counselling.
:)

You can indeed have anxiety disorder at 19. Before going to any medical doctor for medicines, you really should check this out: http://www.stresscenter.com/ They have a WONDERFUL program.

Ok so you have the completely wrong thoughts. You must try talk therapy first, and then and only then should you even THINK of seeing a psychiatrist for meds. If your therapist is anyyyy good at all he/she will go by this approach too. Drugs aren't a cure all and it is not going to help at all to just dive right in to a medication like that. Plus Xanax can be really addictive. And many antidepressants don't change your thoughts and make them positive; like mine just makes my heart stop beating fast and it makes my stomach stop being upset, etc. It doesn't make me think differently or happier or anything like that. You should speak with a psychologist/therapist and then that person can make recomendations to you for a psychiatrist after a bit if you have tried honestly your hardest without the medicine; don't just hold out and wait for the med. cause you will have to try changing your thoughts, etc. anyway.

Sure you could have an anxiety disorder.

I would talk to your doctor, tell them your issues, but let them decide what they think is best. There are several anti-anxiety drugs on the market.

You might also look into some counseling in conjunction with meds.

That's what I did.

I have general anxiety disorder. I was in college and had the benefit of a few free counseling sessions on my campus. They recommended that I talk to my family doctor about how I was feeling as well, and I was prescribed Paxil.

The Paxil helped take the edge off, but ultimately what helped the most was talking to a pro about what I was feeling.

I only stayed on the meds for a year, and once I got off them, I was even more aware as to when I was getting too upset and, for the most part, have better control over my emotions!

Look at the meds as a tool, not a cure-all for your problems!