Is this anxiety/depression, or should I just ignore it and move on?

Jessica,

I wish it was easy and you could just move on. Please do NOT ignore it! I am not sure why your parents don't think depression or anxiety are "real". I'm not sure if that's exactly how they feel, or could it possibly be your interpretation? Either way, it does kind of have to do with the way you think, but it is a little more complicated than that.  (It can help to go to therapy to change the negative self talk, for example). In my opinion, there are many factors in addition to the way you think that can contribute to anxiety/depression. The symptoms you describe above do sound like anxiety and possibly depression; however I would of course recommend you speak to a licensed therapist further.

Always talk to a licensed therapist if you are having panic attacks!  Also you say you feel it is serious and nothing is changing.  Listen to your feelings and intuition.  If you are concerned, reach out for help. There is a saying: "It's ok not to be ok" :) 

Around 1 in 4 adults in the US suffers from a mental disorder such as anxiety or depression each year. I hope you do not feel ashamed to seek help, and there is treatment for anxiety and depression. There are holistic ways to improve, such as meditation, exercise and therapy.  A therapist might ask you what is on your mind when you can't sleep at night?  Are you under a lot of stress?  What are you sad about? Are you grieving a loss? 

Sometimes people can experience symptoms of anxiety or depression with no clear explanation of the cause, and other times there is really something bothering them underneath the symptoms. Sometimes it is after experiencing trauma, or even after having a baby, that is why it's important to talk to a licensed therapist, to get support and help you sort through what's going on.  

Hang in there and thanks for your question!  I sincerely hope you feel better.  Remember that after hard times there's usually brighter days ahead. You are not alone!