Anxiety is something I don’t want to have. What I want is to talk in front of a lot of people, make friends easier, presenting to the class without getting red, or going through a crowd without thinking severely about what people are thinking or saying about me. I feel society can be overwhelming and nerve racking. There’s a good caring silly funny personality behind this shy nervous 15-year-old. Social anxiety is something a lot of people struggle with but for me, ideas, situations, being speechless, and people all creep in my mind as I get nervous.

The scariest thing for me is attention. Being the center of attention means all eyes on me, the fear of being judged, what if I mess up or do something without thinking. Often, I think how in the world am I supposed to get through high school with social anxiety, it’s nearly impossible. It means so much when I meet people with the same issues. For example, I used to look for fun things and places that didn’t make me as nervous. I found myself at a party knowing not many people and most of them were blank faces. I start to panic inside.  It’s scary not knowing anyone, I don’t want to just awkwardly stand there like the girl who knows no one. I found ways to feel like the life of the party. That didn’t work so I’m still finding ways to overcome anxiety.

Its a beautiful day, the sun is shining, the flowers are in full bloom, and I am filled with doom.

As I get ready to step outside into the world I am filled with social anxiety. The bright sun fills my body with fear, fear of being in the spot light. My heart rate starts to speed up.  My head starts to swell.  My skin has this tingling feeling that I can’t scratch off.  Is everyone looking at me?  Are they judging my every step.  I feel everyones energy and I can’t identify with my own energy.

I feel paralyzed, captured by my fear of facing society.  My stomach has turned into one big knot, and I haven’t even opened my car door yet.

Social anxiety is very debilitating, it keeps you from doing daily tasks, especially when the only place you feel safe is under your covers, hiding from the world.

Breathing, is the most important factor.  Breathing in your anxiety and exhaling all your fears out of your breath.  Meditation is helpful too.  Closing your eyes, finding your center, keeping your feet on the ground and feeling your stability through your core.