HELP ! :(
I have had social anxiety since middle school. Now I'm in high school and still struggling with social anxiety. This is my 2nd year in high school..and I just found out I have theatre arts . This means acting infornt of everyone, I feel like this will be scary for me since this is way out of my comfort zone . But then again this could help me overcome social anxiety, meet new friends and get out of my comfort zone. But I am also thinking what if I'm going to fast and should slow down and take baby steps and start with the least scariest situations. What should i do ? I have until next week to change my class and don't know what to do
@isabelx22
Are you intrested in theatre arts? If it was not for anxiety would you like to do it? What are the alternatives?
It may be an idea to have a chat with the teacher and ask how your anxiety can be accommodated. Maybe they can allow you to take small steps and develop your confidence. If you are likely to get poor grades for displaying anxiety than it is probably counter productive to recovery.
@Belis theatre arts does seem interesting. If it wasn't for my anxiety I wouldn't be so worried about going on stage in front of people
@isabelx22
Are you interested in theatre arts more than other subjects that you could do in that period?
@Belis I think theatre is interesting but I prefer art .
@isabelx22
Could you do art instead of theatre? What other options do you have if you were to turn down theatre studies?
@Belis yes I have always been into art. And theatre is something new for me. I can join other classes likes photography, ceramics, or learn another language
@isabelx22
It sounds like there are other options that may also be attractive. It is going to be a tough decision to make but I think chatting with the teacher to find out what the exact requirements are may help you judge if you are ready for this level of challenge. Photography and ceramics sound super interesting as well. Learning another language can be so valuable for your CV. So they all seem like fantastic options to choose from. Good luck :)
@isabelx22
Im sorry to hear that you struggle with social anxiety especially in your sophmore year. This is my 2nd year in high school..and I just found out I have theatre arts . Is this something you always wanted to do and have just been to anxious about? What ever decision you make, I wish you the best. I will be praying for you that you will be comfortable in your decision.
God Bless!
@sal202 thank you so much! God bless youu , ❤❤❤
@isabelx22 I have social anxiety and when I was in high school they thought it was a good idea to put me into an acting class. I didn't care much for it but it did make me face my fears on a daily basis. just try to remember that it is okay to be anxious and if you mess up that's okay because it's only highschool.
@QuietSoul15 I hope you are able to over come your social anxiety! ❤ thank you so much
@isabelx22 Then make confidence part of your act. And once you get really good at acting confident, maybe you'll become more confident in general.
@namgum61 thanks!
@isabelx22 you are not alone! I have always suffered from social anxiety also. New things can be difficult especially if we have to go outside of our comfort zones. Making new friends and facing our fears/anxieties is the best way to overcome them. If it's real bad I would suggest speaking with a therapist to see what other options you have. :)
@CaringTeresa Happy I'm not the only one ! i hope you are able to over come your social anxitey ! thanks <3
@isabelx22 Hey Isabel. You sound similar to me in some ways, cuz my social anxiety started in middle school too. I really wish I had seen a therapist/school counselor earlier. Definitely something I would recommend! From reading your first post and the ones below, it sounds like maybe you are more interested in art? It's your decision so I hope you pursue whatever you will enjoy most. Remember the point of facing the social anxiety is so you can feel good, do what you love, and be happy!
I also like the suggestion of talking to the teacher or other classmates if possible. Maybe that has to be through email if you are afraid to talk in person! I believe a lot in community healing. Maybe if the teacher knows you struggle with anxiety, they could try to give you a lot of compliments/encouragement. I love this teacher who compliments every student. :)
Good luck. Would love to hear how it goes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dXa_TPShhA
@Daydreamer47
Thank you ,it means a lot that I can relate to someone 💟
Hi @isabelx22 For many people standing infront of crowds can be a daunting experience i too sometimes battle with that. Always try to remember to Believe in yourself! and Have faith in your abilities! You could use this as an oppotunity to break through your social anxiety and grow stronger. Remember you are not alone, we are here to support you all the way. If you ever feel like talking you can connect to any of the friendly available listeners at any time. Take care 