I think we can all agree that having anxiety, specifically social anxiety, is nothing but a burden. A burden that unfortunately cannot just be whisked away in a moments notice, but one that has latched itself on harder than a newborn baby latching on to it's mother. I've struggled with social anxiety for a few years now, and like to think I have a pretty good grasp on what it does to ones mind. Here are some thoughts, I know everyone with social anxiety, including myself, has had at least once (lets be real, at least once per day) during their college years.
1. When walking to class is just as terrifying as every insidious movie put together
"oh God, everyone is staring at me."
"He just looked at me and I know he's judging my hair, I didn't have time to do it this morning"
"who's laughing behind me, they are for sure laughing at me, oh no, got to walk faster, faster, faster.."
2. Class presentation? Yeah, I don't think so.
"There are about to be 30+ students staring directly at me, and listening exclusively to me"
"Oh no, the professor just called my name, that's my cue to disappear."
3. Skipping lunch because I cannot eat alone and be judged.
"I'm so hungry, but I can't go to the dining hall, there's so many people there who will judge what I eat, and how I eat it"
"All I am craving are chicken tenders, but I know they'll be thinking "she should be eating a salad"."
"Guess I just won't eat, and go back to my dorm. It's alright, I'm used to the feeling of hunger by this point."
4. What's a date? All I know is that it consists of overthinking, crying internally, and sweating like a high school wrestler.
"How is someone as attractive as him, on a date with ME??"
"This has to be a trick, he can't actually like me, I am a mess"
"OH. There go my palms, sweating away....I hope he doesn't try to hold hands"
5. I hope me breathing isn't a distraction to anyone
"deep breathes, deep breathes, you'll be alright in the end, just keep going ."