AboutJacqueline Jacques, ND Expertise I can answer any question related to conditions treated by naturopathic medicine and how they might be approached. These would include (but are not limited to) allergies, arthritis, depression/anxiety, autoimmune diseases, irritable bowel, PMS, menopause, hormone dysfunction, chemical sensitivity, headache, and chronic pain. I am also happy to discuss naturopathic therpaies including herbal/botanical medicine, medical nutrition, diet therapy, detoxification, manipulation, hydrotherapy, and natural hormone replacement. I would also welcome questions on naturopathic philosophy, licensure, scope of practice and education
Experience I am a licensed Naturopathic Doctor (ND) with ten years of experience. The focus of my work has been in women's health, obesity and pain, but I have treated all conditions. I currently see private patients, consult in the natural products industry, own part of a medical nutrition company, write for several publications, and speak across North America. I additionaly serve on the medical advisory board of several companies and non-profit organizations.
Organizations California Naturopathic Doctors Association (member and past board member)
American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (member)
National Nutritional Foods Association (member)
Obesity Actional Coalition (Medical Advisory Board)
Samueli Canter for Integrative Medicine at University of California, Irvine (Board Member)
Publications Nutrition and the MD, Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, Bariatric Times, Today's Dietitian, Integrative Health Retailer
Education/Credentials Lewis and Clark College
National College of Naturopathic Medicine
Awards and Honors Health Professional of the Year (2004) - Bariatric Support Centers International
Question Dear Jacqueline,
I'm 15 years old, and I have a problem. Whenever I meet someone or talk to someone, even if I've known them for years, I find myself questioning if this person really likes me. I get extremely suspicious of the person, and I find myself thinking that the person is making fun of me behind my back. Then I get really nervous about seeing the person, and try to aviod them for as long as I can, and end up setting up a billion different situations in my head where things could go wrong, like they walk up to me and tell me that they hate me or something, and then I end up seeing them and everything is fine, and none of it ever happens, and I start the process all over again.
Is there something wrong with me?
Thanks,
Jackie
Answer Jackie,
Some level of insecurity and distrust is part of being a teenager. However, you describe this as a long-standing problem for you. It also sounds like your thoughts are bit obsessive for you an that they make you anxious. Anxiety disorders are very common. A lot of times people do not figure out that they have any anxiety until they are much older than you are. That does not mean there is something terribly wrong with you, but it is likely that you would feel a lot better if you got some help with this. Because of your age, the best place to start is by talking to your parents and seeing if they will take you to your family physician. You don't have to go into detail with your parents if you don't want to. You can tell them that you have been increasingly anxious and it is really bothering you and you think you should talk to a doctor. If you are not comfortable talking to your parents, find someone who can help you - a trusted friend, a teacher, someone from your church, etc...
On your own, I might suggest one of two books:
The Anxiety Workbook for Teens by Lisa M. Schab (Author)
What to Do When You Worry Too Much: A Kid's Guide to Overcoming Anxiety
by Dawn Huebner
