“I felt like being stared at often”

Social anxiety: many are affected by this, some may not notice it yet.  Ash shared their side of dealing with social anxiety and what they have experienced. Social anxiety for them is quite bothersome since they can be anxious in many social situations under certain circumstances. Thankfully, with the help of a friend of Ash, they feel more comfortable talking when they’re near them. Although it bothers them from time to time, they don’t let it stop them, they keep doing what they do.

Transcript:

Jose Rocha: Ok, alright.  Good afternoon I guess.

Ash: Yeah, good afternoon.

JR: I’m going to be interviewing you about social anxiety.

A: It’s a nice topic.

JR: And, just making sure before I start this, if you’re comfortable with this.

A: I’m sorry what?

JR: Just before we start this interview, I want to make sure you’re comfortable with this topic.

A: I’m very comfortable with these questions and topics.

JR: Alright, let’s begin off with this question, how exactly can being social like make you anxious?

A: Wait what?

JR: How exactly does being social like make you anxious?

A: Out of ten, either nine or eleven.

JR: Why you rate it a nine out of ten?

A: Huh?

JR: Why would you give it a rating of nine out of ten, the anxious level or something.

A: It just stops me from meeting new people and stuff, and it’s really a pain with just dealing with it  just everyday.

JR: Ah, okay. How long have you been dealing with social anxiety? 

A: Seems from seventh to eighth, two years now.

JR: Oh wow huh, quite some time. When does social anxiety most bother you?

A: When does it?  It’s most bothering during public and school time.

JR: Ah, okay. Was there ever a point where it was a lot to handle?

A: Yes actually, in seventh grade.

JR: Oh, would you care to describe what happened?

A: Well, I don’t know if this counts, I do remember a time where I would be in science, and I was just doing me until my teacher would always come often talking to me, and having the time I was more comfortable being female. Being the only female there made me feel left out, since it was mostly an all boys classroom, and I felt like being stared at often, when I’m not. And I wouldn’t even talk to anyone, neither do my school work.

JR: I could see why you would be uncomfortable.

A: The fact that it was going on for a whole month.

JR: Oh wow, hopefully it gets better soon. Oh, when are you are most comfortable being social?

A: The time when I’m more comfortable being social is when my closest friend from school is actually right near me.

JR: Hm, that’s good. Has there ever been any times where you really tried to stop this anxious feeling.

A: Mhm, many times before.

JR: And would you care to explain how these times went?

A: Hmm?

JR: Would you care to explain how some of these times went?

A: Awful.

JR: Ah, that’s not great. You’ll get there soon. Throughout time, has it gotten any better or worse? 

A: I’ll probably say both.

JR: Would you care to explain?

A: Well, it’s kinda both because I can actually kinda talk to some people, but that’s just only if they have the same taste as me.

JR: If you’re comfortable enough, would you care to explain what exact taste?

A: They like to also talk about anime, doodling, and animation.

JR: Oh, that’s a good topic. How do you usually deal with this anxiety?

A: I would say doodling I guess, or just bring a plush from home

JR: That’s a great way to manage your anxiety.

A: Mhm.

JR: Okay, I believe I’ve questioned you enough. This was a great interview, and I thank you.

A: No problem.

JR: Alright, have a great day.

A: You too.

JR: Thanks.

A: No problem.