Is this normal for a teen? (long)

[happy41288]

Since about the 4th grade, I was always kind of shy around people. Everytime we had to talk in class or do an oral presentation I would freak out. I'd just think about talking in class and how embarrsing it is having the whole class focus on me. It would ruin my whole day. It seemed like I was the only person who had a problem w/ it. I rather fail the presentation grade instead of standing in front of the class, and I've done that a lot of times. I guess its gotten worse. People really scare me. Everywhere I go Im affraid of what people are going to say or do to me. I think they might grab me or hurt me in some way. I also hate people to touch me, look at me, get to close to me, or give me attention. I'm like this w/ family members to since you cant trust anyone, family or not. When I hear people laughing or wispering I think there making fun of me. I'm thinking of missing my graduation next year since I dont what my family there looking at me. My mom asked me if I was ever raped since I act like it. I haven't, but its one of my worst fears. I never had a boy friend since I'm more scared of men. Everytime one starts talking to me I just freeze, start shaking, and I just panic. I have a few guy friends but nothing to serious and they seem ok but I'm still kind of scared of them. I aways feel that everyones looking at me or judging me. Is this something that will pass? I wish I wasn't like this. Thank you

[poorabnormalone]

I feel really similar to you!! Only a lot less extreme. I cant cough in the bus for example. But i know exactly whats wrong, Social Anxiety Disorder look it up, you have all the symptoms!!

[storm12]

I have had the same issues for most of my life. I still wonder if if some of it might be part of a thyroid problem (probably that is more of my depression, instead of anxiety) - but I recognized myself as having social anxiety from a description in a book - it described exactly what I experienced the strongest starting in 5th grade. Anti-anxiety medication has helped me a great deal, although I dislike having to take it. I can talk to people much easier now - and I am better in crowds. I wish I had had help with this back when I was in school - jr high and high school in particular. I really regret not being more insistent with my parents back then. THey thought I should just get over it - but I knew it was something that I just couldn't "get over".

[Broadwaygirl03]

You sound just like me, but a bit worse. Welcome to social anxiety/phobia. I really understand what you said about whispers and assuming its about you. I couldn't stand to be around people because every laugh, gesture, I'd assume something was wrong with me and they were pointing it out. I was never actually afraid of people, but that does go with the disorder. For me, it was mostly their thoughts of me that drove me insane. It was very crippling to me, I had very few friends in HS. Like Storm, my parents told me to get over it. I did seek therepy for some time but had to stop because my parents didn't think it was nessessary. It's hard for others to see since it's a real internal battle. You do sound like some anti-anxiety medication would help since it is so paralyzing to you.

One thing I learned through my psyc class and through experiences is that in some cases, exposure is the best treatment. However you may be better going at this with a therapist. Good luck!

Oh and just for some statistics, SAD usually develops in the mid to late teenage years so you're right on track, unfortunatly.

[happy41288]

its great to find someone who finally understands! anyone else would think im crazy if I told them all this. I havent really talked to anyone about it, except my mom when she brings it up sometimes. Im starting to worry about it even more now thats schools starting next monday. With all those people there, it feels like there all looking at me. I havent been around that many people in a long time so its even more worse. Thanks again to all who posted