about

Hi everyone! My pen name is Hannah and I am a 17-year-old girl. I like languages, friends, cats, and many other things. I really love giving advice, and I am studying psychology now. My favorite questions have to do with mental health. As I said above, I am taking psychology classes now, but I also do a lot of outside research, so chances are that if you say something to me about a disorder or anything like that, I will know what you are talking about. Although I am not a licensed psychologist, I hope to someday be one and I would love to get some practice here.

Also, if you ever have a problem and you like my advice and would like to talk with me, I have many messenger services so I would be more than happy to set up a time to talk with you about whatever you need.

I hope to here from you soon!

advice

Bahh. I need a job.

Problem is, I'm only 15 @_@
and I can't for the life of me think of a job I can do...

I have anxiety problems when it comes to people, *especially* kids...so babysitting is out of the question. Pet sitting is too, we already have way too many animals in our house as it is.

Ehh...if I could get a regular like...fast food job I think I could get over my anxiety/phobia to do it..but yeah. I'm only 15.

My mom wants me to get a part time job to raise money for a trip to NY that I'm going on, something I've been planning for a long time and shes JUST NOW requiring me to get a job.

Any suggestions? Dx

Hi, I'm really glad I saw your question. I am 16 years old, and I also have trouble talking to people. Like you, I would like a job this summer, so I will tell you a few ideas I am considering.

Do you like gardening? If so, maybe you could mail flyers to your neighbors asking if they need someone to water their plants while they are away on vacation. This is a good idea because you will have a little social interaction with your clients, but you won't see them much while you are actually working.

You also said that you would like something to help you get over your anxiety. Maybe you and a few friends could plan parties for kids. This is a great way to make money, especially if you are creative and like doing this sort of thing. You could buy party favors, plan a theme, find entertainers, everything (but your clients would pay for it. Just make sure they approve the cost). This is a very fun way to make money.

I know you said you have anxiety with people, but maybe working one-on-one with someone is ok? For, me this doesn't cause a lot of anxiety. So one of the things I was considering is tutoring kids my age or younger with things they are struggling with. Or, if you have a hobby or special thing you know how to do, you could advertise private lessons.

I know this doesn't have anything to do with your question, but since you mentioned your anxiety with people, I would check out Social Anxiety Disorder, aka Social Phobia. I'm not trying to diagnose you, it's just something to look into. I will give you a brief summary. It is the extreme fear of being judged by others. Many people avoid social situations whenever possible or endure them with lots of anxiety. When in a social situation, symptoms include sweaty palms, rapid heart rate, and in some cases a panic attack. If you suspect you have it, talk to your parents or a school psychologist (it's hard, I know. I'm still working up the courage :) ). Or you could get a book on it. Treatments usually include cognitive therapy and/or medicine that helps to make you less nervous. Don't be ashamed if you have this problem. It is estimated that 1/10 people have it.

Good luck with everything, and if you ever want to talk, my Yahoo Messenger screen name is manateelover141. Or you could just send me a message on this site. :)

~Hannah :)

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(Rating: 5) Haha thanks for the suggestions. And you don't need to diagnose me, I already have been by a ton of doctors - I have social phobia and panic disorder. I don't even go to public school anymore because of it =P I'm on meds, and even though I hate it my parents are looking into therapy. I don't really know if I'll do any of the jobs you are suggesting...I live in a painfully small town >.< but I'll look into it. Thankss :]
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