Anxiety is something that I have always had to deal with and it got worse when I started high school (I'm about to graduate high school this upcoming year). It's not something that I can control and my parents just don't understand that, specifically my mom. She constantly pokes fun at it and whenever I try to tell them that I honestly do believe that I have a social anxiety issue, they just laugh it off and tell me that I don't and that it's not a disorder, I'm just being quiet and lazy rather than putting myself out there more. Whenever we go to family parties and things I tend to just sit in the corner (partially because I don't know what to say to half of these people and that makes me nervous and also because there's nothing to say when I have an older and younger sibling people would rather gush over). My mother is always asking why I am the way I am and that I just need to get over it and it's not something that just comes with an off switch. It's this constant issue every single day and I can't help it. I get nervous about speaking to people and putting myself out there isn't easy. I constantly think I'm being judged or that people will talk about me behind my back and I get so worked up over this that I talk myself out of taking up certain opportunities. My parents just don't get it and they're making it harder by trying to make it seem like I'm just being stupid and need to cut the crap. What do I do?
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
What you need to do is sit down with them and give your honest 100% opinion. Tell them how you feel about them not understang that you have a disorder. I had social anxiety and my mom never believed me. She found my weed and i used to self medicate with it and i told her how i felt. Some parents however aren't as understanding. I know the feel of being nervous simply standing in line with 2-3 people behind you or having to work up the courage to go out to eat thinking everybody is looking at you when you're going to sit. If your parents dont believe you after you have a serious talk with them tell them that you honestly need help that you actually need. If they still are oblivious to it and its just a "phase" maybe its time you speak with a counselor at school and they can set you up with a phyciatrist to talk to. Dont be nervous to speak to a counselor because they love to help and its not an inconvienience to them in any way. I wish you the best of luck overcoming it as i did. I still get a minor anxiety problem at certain times but its somewhat controllable now. It's not just something where someone can say "Oh people arent judging you" Because it still feels that way even though you know in the back of your mind they arent
My parents don't either do your best to get medical help on your own accord I did and people around you e.g. Parents will realize how serious you are and will start understanding
I'm the absolute same way it never gets easier you have to sit them down and explain it ....ask them to help you get maybe some counseling