To scared to go to school or see friends

[Mickey_Mouse2]

Hi I have really bad social anxiety and have been off school for about 5 weeks. I havent seen any of my friends in that time and I want to see them again but I am to scared. I dont know why Im scared or what Im scared of but if I even think about trying to see them I get so nervous and shaky I feel like crying, throwing up or passing out. Recently they have been trying to help me think of ideas to make me less nervous so I can meet them at the beach or something. I had the idea of taking my dog with me because he instantly calms me down at home and I have a very strong love for animals (plus he would take the attention away from me). The only problem with this is my dog also has really bad anxiety around other people and dogs and he will bark at just about every living thing he sees. His barking then stresses me out and draws more attention to me which just makes my anxiety worse. 
We cant think of anything else I could take or do to keep me calm because the only thing that calms me down is having a dog next to me because they comfort me. 
My mum also thought about inviting my friends to my house so I could still be with my dog but I get nervous when other people are in my house not because I dont trust them but it just makes me nervous for some reason. I think its because my house is like my bubble of safety which I can escape to but when someone else is there there are people in my safety bubble and I don't feel like I can escape.
Basically what I am asking for is any suggestions that will help me be able to see my friends again because my parents are getting angry because they are saying Im not trying to get better and if I dont start trying they will force me back into school which is the last thing I want.

[blondguy]

Hi Mickey Mouse2

A Big Welcome to the BB Forums

I am Paul and there are many wonderful and caring people that can help you here

I am very sorry to hear about your anxiety. I used to have anxiety for while as well. I understand your situation and what you are going through.

I will keep this as helpful as I can without unnecessary paragraphs you dont need to read right now.

My safe place is my house too....I feel better here where I am...I also sometimes get nervous if there are people coming over to visit but I have learned that it is good to have people to visit me at home...I got used to it and really appreciate my friends wanting to spend some time with me

My big sook of a dog also makes me very happy when he is next to me too. I am trying to get the confidence to take him to the beach as well. Right now I choose not to. I would rather have friends in my home...my safe place

If I can ask you Mickey...Have you seen your GP and let him/her know how you feel? They can be a great help. I do hope your parents have mentioned this as a help to you as anxiety is the same as wearing crutches sometimes.....I also hope that your parents dont get angry at you for having a problem that needs a doctors help

I do hope you can get back to us and let us know how you feel 🙂

Paul

[Starwolf]

Hey Mickey Mouse,

Well done for your brave decision to join these forums. They're a safe, supportive network of people who understand your pain, because they are/have been in the same situation as you.

Please do talk to a GP as soon as possible. Severe anxiety is an illness, not a weakness of character. As such, with help and support, it can be managed. A GP will help devise a suitable health plan or refer you to someone who can. If you feel too nervous to speak, I'd suggest you make a copy of your post and show it to him. Anxiety doesn't go away on its own. Taking another courageous step will start the process of slowly reclaiming your life and some measure of control over it. It will be well worth the effort.

You say your parents do not understand what you are going through. Not many people are familiar with mental/emotional issues. Having no idea what to do, they often say/do unhelpful things, a common problem confronting people suffering from depression anxiety etc...It adds to the sense of isolation and helplessness. The advantage of speaking to a GP is that somewhere along the line, your parents will be offered the opportunity to find out what you are going through and how they could help ease the pain. They will learn that you are not to blame for something you cannot control without medical assistance.

Meanwhile, navigating these forums is a brilliant idea. They will help you communicate with others without the confrontation of face to face conversation. A great place to start. You are always in control...the remote is in your hands.

Thank you so much for sharing your story. Lots of people here will relate to it. Your contribution is much appreciated.

I wish you peace of mind.

[Saltbush_boy]

Hi Mickey sorry to hear your mum and dad are giving you grief it's a hard life feeling alone I had a problem pooping my pants at school and didn't want to go but they made me go not the same but still I know how you feel maybe find a mutual friend to say to them what there not hearing it gets better buddy remember this country was built by brute strength and determination never give up and try and download , refresh and start again and believe in your self you deserve it and welcome my friend we are all the same here remember and we are not bad people nor are you stay strong your worth it 

[Minkat]

Well, I have to go to school cause my parents are strict and won't let me stay home from school so consider yourself lucky. But I also suffer from social anxiety and what I do is if I'm out with some friends I find a way where I can still have fun with them or I look for something that makes me happy and go there. For example... kpop and bts make me happy so if I'm feeling stressed or anxious I listen to it and just let myself cry so I can feel a little bit better. So what I'm trying to say is, try finding some music that makes you happy and listen to that when your stressed or if that isn't working take videos of your dog so that when u feel anxious and stressed around your friends and other people just watch that video and imagine your dog actually being there. I really hope you over come your anxiety because I'm at the point where I'm talking with a counsellor and it's still hard for me. But I'm proud of you and I know that you can absolutely go out in the world someday!!!💖😁