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growe907
80d ago

***Social Anxiety***

I am 20 years female , and I am in my 4th sem , I wear a burkha and a mask and from this sem , all have to attend classes for 75% attendance with proper uniforms that is shirts and pants , I am fat overweight girl I have to attend classes but thisy fucking anxiety don't make me to do it. I am ready to attend classes in uniforms but I am scared that what if someone make fun of me , I have no friends , no one sits beside me and without maks I will be so uncomfortable because of my anxiety , the anxious persons makes so weird awkward expressions and I am scared that what if someone saw this , that's the reason I wear a mask, I am trying my best to be regular but end up in sitting at libraries. My appearance already highlights me in my class and all the prof have an eye on me. My parents thinks I am attending my classes regularly.

I know everyone will tell it's all in my head , but it looks very hard to believe this. All students in my class are so confident, I am an only muslim girl in my class. I am already a year back students. I am really really fed up of life , myself. It's getting so hard for me.I am thinking to change my department but no one will gonna take me now , and my department's will not gonna give me tc. I was ready to attend classes today but I got late.


To whom I am telling this fucking issue , they are telling, it's ok , nothing will happen , at least you should go , I know they are not telling wrong , but if it was that easy for me I would have done it few days before , they will all not gonna know until they have experience it. Due to this I have constant anxiety in my mind , I can't sit at least for 2 minutes peacefully , whenever I try to relax or sit , I recall how should I do it before , I should have attended classes from starting , now what will gonna happen , if they saw my anxiety , I just don't want to look anxious in front of my class , don't want to get insulted , I wish I could go in the past...


I am fed up. I am fed up 😔

Our free therapy courses to cope with problems
DO
DOnt
75d

Hey there! I completely understand feeling overwhelmed. Sometimes when things get tough, I like to focus on small victories, even getting dressed for class is a win!most people are too focused on their own lives to notice others. CAN you try setting tiny daily goals for yourself?

Wi
Wisdommmm
75d

@DOnt I agree on this. Wanted to add that success isn't about being perfect tho it's about showing up. Each time you walk into that classroom, you're building strength. Your worth isn't determined by others' opinions. You deserve to take up space. Your education matters. Your goals matter. Your dreams matter. Your presence adds value to the classroom. Let your light shine. Focus on your own journey. Keep pushing forward.

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Wendy J
75d

Looking at your situation from the outside, I see someone who's incredibly resilient and determined. Your commitment to education despite these challenges shows remarkable strength


Each time you step into that classroom, you're breaking barriers and paving the way for others. Your presence matters more than you realize. Walking through fear is how we grow stronger. Your journey might feel lonely now, but you're creating ripples of change

That discomfort often precedes growth. Your story is still being written. Your future holds endless possibilities. Trust in your journey. Which part of your daily school life excites you most?

Ge
GentleSpirit
75d

Hey, I really understand what you're going through. I was once in your shoes and let me tell you my story. I used to be terrified of going to class. I remember having a really bad anxiety attack during my finals. My hands were shaking so much I could barely hold my pen, and I felt like I couldn't breathe. I was sitting there, trying to write, but all I could think about was how everyone could see me freaking out. I thought I would pass out

But you know what? Nobody even noticed. They were all too focused on their own exam to pay attention to me. That's when I realized something important - most people are too busy with their own stuff to judge us the way we think they do

I started going to therapy (there's nothing wrong with getting help), and my therapist taught me some breathing exercises. They actually help a lot when I feel an attack coming. I also started talking to one person in my class - just one. She turned out to be really nice and now we're good friends

It took me time, and yes, some days were really hard. Sometimes I still get anxious, but it's getting better. I know it feels impossible right now, but you're stronger than you think. You're already brave for sharing your feelings

If you ever need someone to talk to who really gets it, you can message me. We anxious people need to stick together ❤️

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growe907
69d
Author

@GentleSpirit Yes , we need to stick together. U know I badly need a friend who can understand me in my every situation. I am giving my best but nothing seems working , I don't have sense to talk to people, to behave , I just look weird , bad , cringy in all situation.

ma
martin garcia
75d

As a teacher who has worked with many young people over the years, I want you to know that your feelings are completely valid. Social anxiety is a real challenge that many students face, and it's not "just in your head." Please know that being different - whether it's being the only Muslim student, wearing a burkha, or having anxiety - is not a weakness. Your differences make you unique and valuable. Have you considered talking to a school counselor or mental health professional? They are trained to help students deal with exactly these kinds of feelings, and they won't judge you. Please be kind to yourself. You wouldn't judge another person as harshly as you're judging yourself. You deserve the same compassion you would show to others

Ma
Mary Morrison
75d

The path ahead might seem overwhelming, but every step forward counts, no matter how small. Hold on there, everthing's gonna be alright 🙏

Lo
Louise
75d

Small steps are okay. Maybe you could start by attending just one class per day, or sitting at the back where you feel less noticed. You don't have to solve everything at once


Most students are too focused on their own lives to judge others. Those confident students you see? Many of them probably have their own insecurities too, they just hide them well. Your education matters, and you deserve to be in that classroom just as much as anyone else. Don't let anxiety steal your opportunities from you


You mentioned being a year behind, that's okay! Everyone's journey is different, and there's no "right" timeline for finishing school

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flowerernest220495
74d

I've been in similar situations. Social anxiety is so hard to deal with, especially when others can't understand how overwhelming it feels 🫂 I kno exactly what you mean about the mask being like a safety shield, I used to rely on mine too. It feels like it protects us from people seeing our expressions and judging us


The pressure of attendance and uniforms can feel so heavy when we're already struggling just to walk through the door. Please know that you're not alone in feeling this way. There are many of us who struggle with social anxiety, even if we don't show it on the outside


Something that helped me a little was reminding myself that most people are too focused on their own lives to notice the little things we worry about. They're probably dealing with their own insecurities too. Be gentle with yourself - you wouldn't judge a friend harshly for having these feelings, so try to show yourself the same kindness


What helps you feel most comfortable when you do manage to attend class? Maybe you can build on those moments of relative calm🌟

ac
acoleman276
74d

You are so much more than your anxiety. I can tell you that what you're feeling is completely normal. Many students face similar challenges, especially during transitional periods. Build up gradually. Focus on your goals and remember that this phase is temporary!

Ri
Riccardo
73d

My best friend went through exactly what you're going through right now. We met in college and honestly, when she told me about her struggles with anxiety in school, I couldn't believe it. She was always smiling and helping others! She told me how she used to skip classes because she was so scared of what others would think, just like you. She was worried about her looks, her expressions, everything

Now she's like this bright light that everyone wants to be around. And the funny thing is, when she told other people about her anxiety, many said they had similar feelings! You'd be surprised how many people are dealing with the same fears. I know it feels impossible right now, but please don't give up

And you know what else? The things we worry about the most, other people usually don't even notice. Everyone is too busy thinking about themselves! The right people will come along who will see your beautiful heart, just like I saw my friend's!

Da
Darlene McGee
72d

@Riccardo WOW Riccardo, I can totally relate to your friend! I used to be that super shy girl in school who would hide in the bathroom during lunch breaks. Like, I was so scared of talking to people, I would literally plan different routes to my classes just to avoid crowded hallways!


College was where everything changed for me too. I remember my first week, I was terrified! But then I met this amazing group in my art class who just... accepted me? They didn't judge me for being quiet, and slowly I started feeling more comfortable just being myself

Da
Darlene McGee
72d

@Riccardo No way! That's literally me now! I went from hiding in corners to running the drama club meetings. Sometimes I look back and can't believe I'm the same person. You know what's wild? Last week I gave a presentation to like 100 people, and my old self would have passed out just thinking about it!


I used to wear only dark colors to "blend in" with the walls (as if that would work, lol). Now my wardrobe looks like a rainbow exploded in it! It's so weird how we try to make ourselves invisible when we're anxious. These days I'm like "HERE I AM WORLD!" Sometimes I even surprise myself with how chatty I've become!

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Riccardo
72d

@Darlene McGee that's exactly what happened with my friend! It's crazy how many people go through this, right? She also used to take different routes to avoid people. These days she laughs about it, but back then it was so real. The funny thing is, now she's the one organizing study groups and helping other shy students feel comfortable

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Riccardo
72d

@Darlene McGee That's amazing! My friend says the same thing, she actually became a teaching assistant last semester. It's like watching a butterfly come out of its cocoon, you know?

And yes, my friend was exactly the same always in black or navy. Now she's the one giving fashion advice to others! You know what she told me recently? She met another shy student in her class and recognized that same look of anxiety she used to have. Instead of just letting it go, she went up and started chatting with her. I hope they become like best friends or somthing!

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lily_22
73d

The whole uniform situation sounds super stressful, especially with the attendance requirements. Social anxiety is no joke, it can make simple things feel impossible. Have you considered talking to your professors about your situation? Some of them might be more understanding than you think. But the whole uniform thing adds another layer of pressure. But remember, your presence makes the campus better. Don't let anxiety tell you otherwise.

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