Need some advice
So I'm going to return to school for a new academic year next week. Since the first day I joined this school, I've constantly worn a mask due to anxiety about my appearance. No one at my school has ever seen my face without a mask. Right now, I'm considering whether or not I should continue this; even the thought of others seeing my face makes my heart race. Some people at my school also aren't the nicest, so there is a realistic chance someone would make a hurtful remark about my appearance since they know it's an insecurity, and that would be devastating to me. However, at some point in my life I'll have to stop wearing a mask, so is it better to just rip off the bandaid now? Always wearing a mask also affects my social life, as people find it harder to connect with me and I have to hide in the bathroom to eat during lunchtime. I also worry that I'm reinforcing my own appearance anxiety by allowing myself to hide my appearance. Thank you for any advice!
Hello! I don’t know why you are worried about your face but all I know is your face is your face! You should be proud of it! It is you and uniquely you.
I think there will be a point where you have to face your fears to overcome them. It will hurt like *** at first! You will suffer for a little bit but that bit of suffering will lead you to liberty down the road at some point. If you continue to hide your face, you may prolong that liberty. It will always be a bandaid and that struggle will always be there. Give it your best my friend and know that good things come to those who wait!
