Secret suffering
Melanie Peterson
Issue date: 9/29/08 Section: Op-Ed
It is interesting how many things are considered a "disorder" these days. To some people who have lived with a disorder all their lives are now finding that there are ways to help cope with many of them. Perhaps a disorder many students have but do not know about is social anxiety disorder (SAD).
If you feel nervous meeting new people, or speaking in front of large audiences, this is normal. Many people feel this way but do not have SAD. Those that do have SAD can become overwhelmingly anxious and self-conscious in the most ordinary social situations. People with SAD may also have an intense fear of being judged or embarrassed by others. For those with SAD these feelings are extremely hard to overcome by themselves.
For instance, as someone who deals with this disorder every day, I find myself constantly aware of everyone around me and always wonder if I am doing something embarrassing. If I am late to class, I may not even go because I do not want all eyes on me when I walk through the door. Even raising my hand to answer a question will cause my heart to pound, my face to get red, and my palms to sweat. People assume I am shy, but it is really the social anxiety that gets in my path every day.
Social anxiety disorder can affect someone in all aspects of their life. Not only avoiding social situations, but their disorder can interfere with work, ordinary activities, and making friends. For instance, a public gym may not be the best place for someone with social anxiety disorder. Work that involves interacting with a customer may make those with SAD fearful of their job.
Students with SAD that major in a field where interaction is necessary may have the worst time dealing with their disorder. I am a Communication Studies major with a minor in Theater. I deal with others, and being judged my others all the time. It is sometimes overwhelming being involved in so many activities that involve interaction; it is very hard to handle on a day-to-day basis. For the longest time, I did not understand what was wrong with me, but after talking to other students, I found I was not alone. A recent graduate from WCU had actually taken a semester or two off because her anxiety got the best of her.
If you feel nervous meeting new people, or speaking in front of large audiences, this is normal. Many people feel this way but do not have SAD. Those that do have SAD can become overwhelmingly anxious and self-conscious in the most ordinary social situations. People with SAD may also have an intense fear of being judged or embarrassed by others. For those with SAD these feelings are extremely hard to overcome by themselves.
For instance, as someone who deals with this disorder every day, I find myself constantly aware of everyone around me and always wonder if I am doing something embarrassing. If I am late to class, I may not even go because I do not want all eyes on me when I walk through the door. Even raising my hand to answer a question will cause my heart to pound, my face to get red, and my palms to sweat. People assume I am shy, but it is really the social anxiety that gets in my path every day.
Social anxiety disorder can affect someone in all aspects of their life. Not only avoiding social situations, but their disorder can interfere with work, ordinary activities, and making friends. For instance, a public gym may not be the best place for someone with social anxiety disorder. Work that involves interacting with a customer may make those with SAD fearful of their job.
Students with SAD that major in a field where interaction is necessary may have the worst time dealing with their disorder. I am a Communication Studies major with a minor in Theater. I deal with others, and being judged my others all the time. It is sometimes overwhelming being involved in so many activities that involve interaction; it is very hard to handle on a day-to-day basis. For the longest time, I did not understand what was wrong with me, but after talking to other students, I found I was not alone. A recent graduate from WCU had actually taken a semester or two off because her anxiety got the best of her.
Be the first to comment on this story