How do you deal with social anxiety disorder?

How can I deal with my Social Anxiety Disorder..?

• I'm 16, and have Social Anxiety. I hate public school and I've begged my mom to let me do online homeschooling. I get picked on and teased alot in school, and it really hurts me. I'm too scared to get up in the middle of class and go get a calculator or something of the sort, because I'm afraid people will make fun of me. I stopped going through the lunch line for about 2 weeks because some kid kept making fun of me. In the hallways I feel like I'm going to have anxiety attack because theres SO many people around me. I honestly hate humanity and I think people have no respect for others whatsoever. My mom told me that even when I was a baby I started screaming and crying when people would come up and look at me. I just don't know what to do anymore. I currently see a school counselor and she does not help at all, it's like talking to a brick wall, really. My mom said she will call the doctor tomorrow and see what they can do. What can I do in the mean time? I have no friends, except 1 or 2 at the least.

• Answer:

  Hi. I too have had bouts of this anxiety. I am in my 30s now and I remember the same feelings when I was in school. But back then, I didn't have the outlet of the internet to meet people that were similar. I too was picked on bad. I would not participate in gym and keep circling to the back of the line so I never had to take a turn where I was in the spot light. Or writing on the chalk board was absolute torture...i was so afraid I would trip or say something wrong or spell a word wrong and it would all be on display. Getting on the bus was another big issue for me. My heart would race from the time the door opened to the time i found a seat and hoped they let me sit in peace. To this day I still don't wear my hair up because they called me "monkey ears". Silly now but it is funny how things impact your mind. I think it is a good thing that your mom is listening to you. I found that journaling about specific instances throughout my day helped when I went to the doctor or counselor to show them examples. I realized that finding an extracurricular activity in school helped a lot. Something that I liked got me to meet some kids that i normally didn't interact with...and it turned out they felt very similar. Small groups were key. Like the school paper or yearbook club or photography. I wasn't athletic so those kids weren't either and they accepted me for me. I learned that i wasn't alone. Artistic types of clubs or after school groups were more accepting and had members that were also picked on. Then I had classes with them and it wasn't so bad knowing a friendly eye had my back. I hope that some of my experience helps you and your days get a little brighter. The dread disappears and the bullies are only doing those things and saying those things because they are insecure themselves and they hide behind it as a defense to their own weakness. They strike first so no one will get them. They grow up and realize the world does not think they are so hot! Trust me! Hang in there...focus on what makes you happy and there will be friends to be found!