Social Anxiety STOPS you from living
Social anxiety disorder (SAD) doesnt just ruin your life.
It stops you from living it.
You may have been socially anxious for as long as you can remember.
50% of SAD is diagnosed before 12 years of age. 80% before you are 18.
Parents often don't know anything about what a child is going through.
They are always pushing their child to do stuff that is normal to others but is very difficult for the child with social anxiety such as :?
Ordering? some food on the phone ,?
Going to the grocery store,
Speaking up in family gatherings,
not locking yourself up in my room forever?
To a child it feels It like the weight of the world.
He starts to envy and resent everyone who's confident and outgoing.
He just wonders to himself:
These people never seem nervous in company of others. How is it possible? How dare they ? They are so blessed!
?The hardest thing about social anxiety is comparing yourself to others.
Than wallowing in self-pity.?
If this situation persists over months and years it can lead to depression which is loss of hope.
Without hope for meaningful connection with others what is the point of existing.
Between 50 to 75% people with social anxiety end up with depression.
If you see your child isolating in his room do not force him to leave his safe place.
Be there for him. Ask him how he feels. DO NOT INTERRUPT!
Do not offer advice.
Do not offer an opinion.
Offer unconditional acceptance instead.
Offer total love.
Become a guru of active listening.?
Create psychological safety when your child can express his ideas, concerns, mistakes, beliefs without the fear of judgement, humiliation or punishment.?