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Social Anxiety
I'm a 14 year old girl and I have terrible social anxiety. For example, last week a store clerk tried to make small talk with me while I was checking something out and my face went red and I just kinda laughed at his friendly little jokes I a way that sounded more like wheezing and after paying I almost ran out of there without my change and he probably thought that I was mental! I can't give presentations in class or anything and to top it all off I start at a new school tomorrow so I'll have to make new friends (not like I've ever had more than one or two friends but I tend not to talk to my friends anyway). The thing is, I'm a good actor and a decent signer so I want to joi the drama club at my new school but I almost have a panic attack just thinking about talking to people and getting g on a stage in front of them. How do I help myself?
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Want to answer more questions in the Health & Fitness category?
Maybe give some free advice about: Mental health?
If he thought you were "mental" that would be his problem and NOT yours. You aren't. People with mental health issues are not to be scorned.
They are illnesses just like Cancer, AIDS diabetes and need to be seen by society as such. Just because they deal with the brain people have stigma about them because they don't know better.
YOUR QUESTION: You really should see your family doctor at your first opportunity. Your issue is a medical one and with anxiety that is stopping you in your tracks and affecting your ability to function normally.
Have you had a panic attack? If you have or feel as though you are on the brink of them tell your doctor. They will be able to prescribe medication that could help you and diagnose further the problem and find the right treatment.
That's what I would do. They may refer you to a psychiatrist (you're not crazy) as they deal with severe anxiety disorders if in fact you have one. But do look into this. No need to suffer with it. Talk to your parents about how you are doing. Show them this question.
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From the way that you are describing it, it is worthwhile seeing a counsellor to work through any possible underlying causes. (Is there one at your school?)
Counselling aside, ultimately, you will need to practice to get better.
Start somewhere safe. Talk more to any friends that you do have. Practice with family members.
Also look for social anxiety support groups, either in-person or online.
For example, this website has an online forum and a list of in-person and telephone-based groups for various countries: [Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
An online group can be a good place to get to know people through text-based communication for getting comfortable with the idea of talking to people. When you get to know someone better, ask to talk on Skype for practice.
When I was your age, I used to struggle with talking to people too. I eventually made some friends online when I was in high school, and that's what gave me the confidence to open up in person too.
When it comes to store clerks, remember that you're the one in power because it's part of their job to be polite to you.
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The thing with social anxiety is that you have to expose yourself to these things that make you anxious. I know it sounds ludicruous but trust me. Once you get used to it,it will no longer be a problem. Face your anxiety and you will feel amazing.
Best wishes,
Luchia94
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