The World Can be a Scary Place

The feeling of not being able to "fit in," being uncomfortable around other people, being afraid to step out into the world on a day to day basis, always feeling like everyone is staring at you or talking about you, having difficulties engaging in the simplest of conversations or feeling awkward in doing so.. These are just some of the symptoms of anxiety.

There isn't any specific reason as to why some people experience this, whether it be chemical, their current home life or if it stems from their childhood.

For some people with anxiety it can often lead to "panic attacks" This is NOT just something that people with anxiety do for attention or have any control over. It is an actual physical response to stress often triggered by crowded places, standing in line ups, or in some cases just being away from home. The physical responses may include, dizziness, accelerated heart rate, heavy breathing (hyperventilating)  numbness in hands or other extremities due to lack of oxygen, an uncontrollable feeling of wanting to cry, and sometimes even fainting.  

In my personal fight against Social Anxiety Disorder, as a child my parents along with other people would often be saying things like, "Oh she's just shy" pretty soon I was being introduced this way before I had even had a chance to speak so maybe I learned to accept this as fact. I was and always will be "Just Shy" So why bother speaking up if this was to be me.

As I grew into a teenager though this "shyness" soon became misinterpreted as being "snobby" or "stuck up" "too good to talk to you" .. In my mind I was still "Just shy" But being so used to keeping things to myself I didn't attempt to correct them. 

There are many different medications and "cures" for anxiety out there and yes, some help especially with the panic attacks.. But I would suggest that if your child seems to be "shy" don't take this too lightly, kids need to be socialized and early on.. they need to learn how to make friends, how to talk to people. This may not totally prevent an anxiety problem in the future but it's worth a try. Don't force anything just be sure to give kids the opportunity to grow and not to be labeled. Encourage kids to speak out and be heard. For the rest of us it's never too late either. Step out of that "Safe place" a little more everyday and don't be afraid to be heard. Everyone has those anxious feelings from time to time but some of us just need to fight a little harder.