Can people stop watching/commenting on this just to post hateful opinions with out any reason, I made this to help people, no other reason, and if that's not why you're here then don't bother, aimless hatred will get you nowhere.
Story of my life. One thing you missed, social anxiety, anxiety in general, can run in your family. Rejection/bullying/bad experiences and have it run in your family, that's what has ruined my life. I think about everyday, every fucking day, how am I going to do something different I ask myself. Then at the end of the day, I realize I've done the same shit I did the day before - avoided social situations. And I'm trying to find a job - I get a job and a week later get fired because I'm not 'bubbly' enough. People think shy, nervous or anxious people are SNOBBY. Ha! Imagine that....how are socially anxious people supposed to get better in a world full of ignorance and hate? Trust me I had my share of shit experiences, abuse, drugs, abandonment, you name it. It takes a toll on your self esteem for sure. I feel like, after beating heroin..and moving to Australia (escaping my past), I should be a whole new person. But it doesn't end....doesn't fucking end. All you can do, is do your research, find out how to be a confident person, and make the change. Only you can change you.
This is how I describe social anxiety to someone who doesn't have it: Imagine you are standing on stage in front of a huge crowd of people. You know they aren't mean, or malicious in any way. But for some reason, you just CANT stop this inner anxiety. Sure you can try and reason in your head and tell yourself the people aren't gonna judge you etc.. but you're still nervous. Normal Reaction right? Now imagine that same feeling every time you talk with someone. Even when its just 1 or 2 people. This is what some of us live with every day.
Hey Amy... I was bullied and overcame Social Anxiety... I have a spanking brand new channel to help people with Social Anxiety. If you suffer from him maybe it can be of some help :-)
Totally agree with you Hannah!.....social anxiety is so much worse than 'I feel a bit nervous because X, Y or Z'. It's great that you're trying to raise awareness and let others like myself know that we're not alone. The unfortunate thing is that, SA, by its nature leads us to believe we're the only one with the condition.
I have it too, and its not really getting better but its not getting worse. I stay inside a lot, I'm really scared of leaving the house and it feels like I'm on a constant rollercoaster. I've only had a few panic attacks, which were in bad situations, like when I had to attend a funeral I passed out after leaving the car and had a panic attack when I got back up, it wasn't nice at all. Luckily, the medicine I'm given helps weaken those effects but not massively :(
I'm the same, hardly ever leave the house, recently I had to attend a family wedding and was getting panic attacks, I ended up consuming a large amount of alcohol just to help get through the situation, even though I dislike alcohol.
No she probably got bullied because other girls were jealous, but they werent ever gonna admit that so they say "its cause she is ugly". Happens just as much in the USA.
I hate most people in Britain, especially the young generation, they're so cynical and just shallow, and Im young myself but I think this growing obsession with celebrity has alot to do with it.
you're such an amazing person and I think you're such a good influence on anyone whether they have social anxiety or not. it's heartbreaking to hear what you've been through but you're so strong and beautiful and just thank you so much xxx
You are so brave! I suffer from social anxiety, and completely understand the avoidance of people, such as not wanting to walk past someone in the street so deciding to take a huge detour just to avoid them, I have done it many times, it's so ridiculous but its something in my brain that constantly thinks, what do they think of me, if I say this, look like, or do that. Social anxiety has prevented me from making lasting close friendships, because when faced with the fear of making conversations, not really understanding what I should say, I choose not to because of fear, which people don't want to really be around because they see it as shy, disinterested, busy, and not wanting to be their friend when really I do. I'm trying to face my social anxiety fears, most of the time i'm faced with them, your video has made me realise i'm not the only one going through this, thanks x
Thank you so much for doing this video, I've suffered with social anxiety ever since high school/ secondary and some times it feels like I won't ever be normal but that fact that someone with your experience can be so strong is such an inspiration and motivation to better myself.
I'm so glad you're improving. I have a milder case of social anxiety so I can empathize with some of what you went through. Your past sounds terrifying and it's amazing how much strength you maintained to get through it. You seem truly beautiful, inside and out, and I wish the best to you and others in this situation. You've helped a lot with this video.
I've spent the last 8 years with this disorder. It's been that bad the last 4 years to the point I've been in my room every day, all day. I got the courage to go to see my gp on Monday and was prescribed fluoxetine and beta blockers. I start the fluoxetine next week but the beta blockers have helped me this week. They are a god send. I advise anyone with social anxiety that suffers from really bad physical symptoms like twitchy neck and lips when nervous, shaking, panic attacks or tachycardia to ask your doctor for propranolol. Once you get rid of the physical symptoms you can begin to work on the mental ones by going to cbt and hopefully you rid yourself of this debilitating disorder. Don't make the mistake I did by waiting and thinking it will go away. I wasted 8 years of my life thinking that. No matter how nervous you get, go and see a doctor. Once you make that step, you start to see things a little brighter. All you need is that little spark of hope to start a fire =p. thank you for making this video.
You are so inspiring. I've been suffering from social anxiety for as long as I can remember and just hearing you basically echo my life make's me realise that i'm not alone and i'm not the only one that has these stupid issues. So thank you
I agree with you completely about awareness, I had social anxiety and didn't even know it existed, I always thought I was just being stupid, and it's a horrible thing to have, especially when combined with depression, it gets to the point where I won't eat or won't buy myself any new clothes etc because I feel like if I do that I'm being selfish. this video helped out a lot because just knowing I'm not the only one out there, that's a huge comfort. so thank you for uploading this video, it means a lot to me xx
Lucy Rai Moonstone Thanks :) today I treated myself to a new pair of jeans, went out all by myself and made an attempt to be social, felt like crying the entire time but I tried and that's enough for me for now, I'm ok when I have my partner or a trusted person with me but when he's not around I get insecure so for me to do this on my own was a huge deal :)
awww, nooo don't cry about going out by yourself, be proudddd :) youre doing the right thing trying to be abit more braver each day. Maybe next time you can think of a more fun place to visit, might be good to go somewhere where you think open minded, non-judgemental people goo... :)
That's a great idea, so far one place I'm very confident is my kickboxing club, I even help teach there now :) I think it's because my instructor (a good friend of mine) and my partner are both there, but I'm doing very well there, and I recently went on a confidence course and was able to speak to the group with no issues, it just depends on the people around me :)
heyyy that's greatttt :) maybe sticking with people you really like, and whom make you feel comfortable is how you'll enjoy life the most thennnn :) its no fun tryna chat and make friends u don't really like anyways... heheheh
I found this really helpful thanks for making this. Ive been suffering for a long time now and knowing other people are battling the same thing gives me hope. For anyone who doesn't have it you are very lucky people. I wouldn't wish this on anyone.
I know what you feel like I've been through the same lost all my friends and was badly bullied and now have social anxiety and people get bored of me . You are very pretty dont think you are ugly . Just live in the moment concentrate what you can do for yourself dont think of others
You are soo soo pretty and soo soo smart..I seriously cant even believe what you've been through, I know its something deeper but im so happy youre helping other people by sharing youre story. I tired once and those people made my life a lot harder..so good for you for being brave.
If someone believes they have anxiety, and says they do. It doesn't necessarily mean that they're trying to be "cool". or sound cool. at all. Just because It's not as severe as it may be, for one, it doesn't mean it's not just as crippling, for another. Just saying.
Thank you for sharing your story, I'm still battling with social anxiety almost all my life. Although, I progressively gotten better over the years but still dealing with this anxiety but I try to push myself everyday and I hope that one day I overcome this feeling. Thanks for the motivation, you're very inspiring! :)
How are you doing now, Im 31 and it is still very difficult for me, I have tools to combat it but it still holds me back and it is soooo hard sometimes... it really does rule my life... I know how you feel... really I do... I think us anxiety heads have the tendency to think and feel no one can possibly understand how we feel... but trust me I do... its bloody awful sometimes... but keep your head up girl... Sometimes I think many of us are just hyper sensitive to energy and emotion and I even sometimes like to think we are actually special, we have just not realized it yet
A good informative video with an honest insight on the subject. But remember people, there isn't just one type of anxiety. There is some people who have general/health anxiety which is an obsessive fear of dying or fainting. Anxiety is actually a really bad and difficult mindfuck to overcome. Just like to share... Who ever is reading this isn't the only one. Just relax, and be alpha and accept who you are and don't give a fuck. You're only here once in physical form, so please don't ruin your life by obsessing over stupid things! I could honestly talk forever on this subject it fucking ruined my social life and physical appearance, stop worrying and channel your anxious stimulation into something creative! LIVE YOUR LIFE BRAHS!
I have social anxiety and this is such a great video.. Thankyou for making it and making awareness of this situation.. I struggle so much myself and tend to stay in bed all day every day apart from college which I can't even go buy food without freaking out and can't eat around people or take my coat off.. So thankyou for making this video!! Much love x
Does anyone go really red when they are being spoke to or your speaking to them?! Or even just sitting in a room with people thinking there looking at me I go red and I don't no why! Its definitely not shyness because before my teens I used to be this happy, outgoing girl always on stage and getting involved with things but suddenly I went red one day in class because I got the answer wrong and everything went down hill, it was the worst feeling in my life everybody looking at me laughing at me. I wish I was that girl again who didn't give a fuck about people judging me I just don't know what happened I even go red when my parents speak to me and I cant even explain why they just think I'm shy but even they get confused because they know I've never been that type of girl (not that shyness is a bad thing) its just I don't know taking over my life! I think about it everyday and how I'm gonna deal with it, it is literally putting me in depression I just want to be normal again😪
Yes i feel exactly the same my face would turn like a beetroot, lol. It was horrible as a teen but now I don't know what would happen Ive always avoided people and social gathering or doing anything that would make me the centre of attention, are you in the |UK? \do some meditation and calm th mind down.
Thank you, I found this SO incredibly helpful. I have social anxiety and get panic attacks, and it has began to affect me more as I have gotten older, so I am only just coming to terms with my disorder. I admire your bravery for talking about a subject that is obviously so close to home for you. I am not sure I could just look at a camera and explain all of this. This means so much to me as I have been so scared of social anxiety (and people in general) recently. Thank you. x
yes i know my mom used to tell me that too....nobody can understand you!!!..big news though I M OVER IT !!! YES IT CAN BE HEALED..!!!i m so outgoing now and people telling me all the time...don't lose hope...!!!
aw you're so beautiful! i'm so glad i came across this video! i suffer with social anxiety and depression too and it affects me everyday, i've finally realised just because there's not many people around me that suffer with these kind of things it doesn't mean i'm alone, thankyou for making this video! c:
So proud of you Hannah! ever since I started watching your videos, you've showed everyone who you are, and this will mean so much to your fans and myself! Thank you loads for the videos and what you said, its really helped, and always be postive and never let anything horrible get in your life, so proud of you!!! :) :)
I was just stating that the one clear indication if you have a mental illness like social anxiety for example is if it effects you on a daily basis and if it effects you all the time then that's when problems start to occur which indicates you may have a mental illness problem, but if you get anxiety problems occasionally then that is normal, because everyone experiences anxiety at times. *****
***** Right, but in a person with social anxiety the signals between neurons don't connect right. You are just an ignorami and can't understand that some people have real mental problems. So cut the bull and do some real research.
Example. Your cable goes out. It takes you some time before you can call the cable company about it. You need to write down what you're going to say to the person who answers the phone. You rehearse it a few times.
DeathIsPlanC You CANNOT call the cable company... You just CANNOT it's impossible, you feel like you will fall down and die on the spot before you are able to pick up the phone and when you eventually do.. If you have the will power... You stuff up on the phone, stumble over your words, or bitchy because you're so freaked out... AAAAH!! Yeah, that's how it is for me anyway XD I cannot leave the house without someone with me, I have to go to collect my ID or something and I can't, 6 months later... I go to collect it and well... It's GONE! Fuck... Now I go through it all over again. :'( Why!?
Hannah I am so glad i found your channel. I suffer from anxiety and depression myself and know how damaging it can be, I'm on anti depressants to control it and have had counselling. I think your strong and inspirational and beautiful and awesome and your videos are amazing xxxx
It could be because 99% of these beautiful people are also good looking within and don't want people hating on them for stealing their spotlight. It could be that these beautiful people think other people see them as a threat, since they have beauty and a good personality. Someone who has beauty and a good personality could be extremely dangerous to someone's status if they are able to socialise. It might mean that these beautiful people not being able to socialize will benefit the people who are not as beautiful since they can socialise. That is my opinion on the matter ( ._.)
This video made me feel not so alone. thank you. I have done so many of the things you have spoken about and have only recently found out i had social anxiety. I never had heard about it until this year, but it has actually ruined my life. I so many times, walk a different way to avoid walking past anyone, I have been rejected by so many friends because they have got bored of me and I used to change my idea for school work because I didn't want to ask for help or go up and get more paper etc. It is seriously horrible. Nobody understands it, my family, my boyfriend, and I don't feel like i have anyone to talk to about it. I hope you are getting better now. I don't know why people have been so horrible to you. You seem like a really nice, genuine girl. It is so hard to love yourself and not care what people think, but I am trying every day to believe this x
The funniest, or strangest I should say, thing about the social anxiety vids posted by sufferers are that they all happen to be particulary attractive or appealing in some way. Is this a contributor in any way, does anyone think?
I honestly can't put into words how much this has motivated me to overcome my anxiety, its so hard to motivate yourself to deal with it and to move on, I've suffered most of my life and don't really know who I am yet because of it, so thank you for uploading and sharing your story, I hope it motivates other people as much as it has me:) x
Try and live with a stammer, it is 10 times worse, Yeah I do understand you so much though, I used to miss lessons in school because I did not want people to laugh at me when I stammer
If you had a stammer, you would understand, I am not having a go at the girl, I do feel sorry for her but having a stammer is much worse. I was bullied for my stammer in high school, Always felt alone at times, Missing lessons and would be afraid about going on a bus or ringing up someone or answering the phone. Being laughed at or some people copying my stammer. Living with a stammer is one of the hardest problems to live with.
Yes but talking is how to be social, now she can talk but people that stammer can not at times. I heard one story of one guy wanting to take his own life because of it. Why did people bully you for then ?
I agree with this other person, you can't say your problem is worse if you haven't experienced social anxiety yourself, and I can't say my problem is worse. I've never been bullied, yet I can't for the love of me talk to people normally, and it makes me really sad. I want to go to conventions and have fun being social, I want to participate in live action roleplaying, but I would never be able to do that. I want to talk to people and make friends, but I can't talk to someone unless they start the conversation. Lately, I've felt like I'm about to puke when sorrunded by strangers, and I have to find someplace void of people to calm down.
I just wanted to say thank you. I thought I was very much alone in the way I felt. Your frankness is an inspiration, because it takes a lot of courage to voice how it is to live with something most people don't understand. I'm going to try and take your advice and make the most out of every day. So yeah, thank you.
Your words are so comforting. I've felt like an outsider all my life and felt bad about my tendency to withdraw from social situations. I often consider myself as very weird, cause I can't relax in new situations easily or develop new relationships without huge amount of effort to encourage myself and push myself forward and out there. It's always been hard for me to accept my personality as an introvert and I've never been supported much emotionally by my family or so called friends. I was already shy as a child, but as I got bullied as a teenager I pretty much shut myself and my only interactions were with boyfriend at the time. Still today I need to keep really motivated if I want to get noticed by people around me in social situations, cause I tend to keep quiet unless the people are close friends. I've been purposely developing the will to open up, as I know the world nowadays to be designed mostly for out-going people and people who are confident with their social selves. For us introverts and socially different people the atmosphere inside the society can be really pressuring and even disabling, cause we don't get enough time and space to warm up slowly instead of acting spontaneously when a new situations come by. I guess the best way to come to terms with the outside world is to focus on one's own power, energy and following the own, special and unique path instead of comparing anything to others.
I went thru the same things. People made fun and bullied me from 5th grade until 12th grade. I was always told the same things you were told. I have been suckered as well. It sucks and we did not deserve that type of treatment from people who obviously don't know what they are talking about. Great video :)
I completely admire you for making this, honestly your a gorgeous person and this made me feel so much better to see that someone else is going through the same shit, chin up I hope it gets better for you x
You have just explained so much I'm going through in life right now and your video is really inspirational to me, and your right ignore and f*** off anybody who tries to bring you down they are not worth it and you are very pretty by the way, thank you for uploading this video.
i'm proud of you for speaking so confidently and clearly, without stuttering/pausing/etc. i'm proud of you for posting it and not getting too ashamed to do it. i identify with almost every single detail in this video. i hope you get better, and i hope all of us do too. thank you beautiful x
This means so much. My anxiety started really bad when I got diagnosed with m.e/cfs 3 years ago had to drop out of school and had constant bullying about how much I was lying, faking it I deserve to get worse. To the point when I have the rare energy to go out with crutches I choose not to because of them thanks for this video Hannah its helped so much your honestly amazing so happy that a person with as many viewers as you is genuine enough to do this, it means so much I hope you improve xxx
I am completely shocked on how similar my symptoms are! In highschool i was anti-social but it worsened as I got older. It makes me feel at least a little comfortable that I am not alone. I'm sorry about your bullying and couldn't even believe it, you're GORGEOUS! I understand how impossible it feels to escape these feelings but nice to know that you are taking that stepping stone and overcoming anxiety by making these videos, expand your comfort zone!
I have suffered with social anxiety all my life. It is extremely painful when your own mind forces you not to do so much because of your fears. Over the last 5 years I have improved tremendously but I still struggle. Social anxiety is nothing to be ashamed of and you can conquer it. I really appreciate this video. Thank You.
Thank you for posting this. You're very brave and it's a caring gesture to tell your story so it will help other people. I cannot begin to understand how social anxiety must feel. I remember being very shy as a young teen and I would feel sick before going to school. I would tear up when a guy spoke to me because I was so scared. But I haven't suffered with real anxiety before. But I can relate to self harming and suicidal thoughts from my depression. Your video was inspiring! I hope you are feeling better. Therapy with the right therapist can work wonders. Love and light.
Hannah I think you've made great strides actually being able to talk about this. I am in a similar boat and it really is about self confidence like you said. One thing I wanna add that might help with this. People don't really care about you that much, what they're really concerned about is what you think about them. I could go on but you already know all this, you just have to believe in yourself more and apply it. I hope it helps and keep on trucking. Your doing great! :)
I can't believe I came across this video. I was researching people's stories about getting their first tattoos and how their experiences are and stuff and I see this video. When I engage in conversation I also don't know what to say and feeling like crying. I go red, eyes water and simply just embarrass myself. I fear being looked at as I get pressure from it and I just hate being social in general. I also have shared the whole school thing with staying with myself and being distant from my Family because of social anxiety. Thank you for the upload, it makes me feel better that I'm not the only one going through this in the world ;) I'm trying to fight it everyday and hopefully one day I will overcome it. Thanks :)
This really helped me. I feel very alone with those feelings, and mine pretty closely relate to yours. I've been working at it everyday though, and am trying to fix my life from all the opportunities I missed. This is really great and must have taken a lot of courage. I appreciate it.
I agree. I have a friend who talks about having social anxiety all the time, but really, she just gets a little nervous before meeting new people. Not the same thing. I like to run, and one time, I decided that I wanted to try a triathlon. I'm a terrible swimmer, so I went to a pool to practice by myself. I ran into a guy who does swimming lessons there, and he was really friendly and invited me to a class. I wanted to step out of my comfort zone, so I decided to go. But after I got into the water, I saw all of the other swimmers and started having a panic attack. I was twelve feet deep in a pool full of strangers, and I literally couldn't breathe. It was then I realized that my social anxiety was ruining my life and standing in the way of reaching my goals. Since then, I've gotten help and I'm doing a lot better. But I still have days where I wish my hair was longer or that I didn't have acne scars all over my face or my thighs were thinner. And it's hard to go out in public. But we do what we have to do and carry on. Thanks for your video. It's helpful.
Ive noticed my social anxiety since I was in middle school, when I entered highschool I started understanding the seriousness of it. "Why are you so quiet". "Are you shy?" were questions I hated the most. Avoiding eye contact, avoiding conversation and attention, it feels like invisible pressure. One thing I found that actually relieved my anxiety is being in a competitive state. Anything competitive brought out a side of me I never thought I had, the will to win is priceless.
Thank you for making this video :) so inspirational and your so beautiful! it’s so sad to hear what you went through! I hope you’re doing so much better now! ❤️
It's nice to know that I can relate to you! As you were saying my life has been ruined with Social Anxiety because of feeling sick, crying, panic attacks etc. I hate it.,
This is my first video of yours, and one of the best on social anxiety i have ever seen. i so much appreciate you making it, and "putting yourself out there" for people like me who need to hear this. Yes, it made me subscribe! You are wonderful. The haters are pitiful power-trippers who need to get a life, don't let them get under your skin, or have space in your head... that is exactly what they want.
I really respect you for doing this video a lot of people I've met always claim they sufer from social anxiety but have no symptoms of it like mine so i always just thought it was just in my head so thank you for being able to share, im glade i can relate to someone
I know exactly how you feel, I unfortunately suffer from the same problem, and I'm currently on medication for it. I feel your same frustration for people who proclaim they have the same problem when they don't. Thank you for making people more aware of this, even if in a small way.
Hannah, I'm so sorry about your anxiety, I deal with the same thing and it's getting worse. I'm starting to lose friends now because of it, too. Your video was really helpful and thank you so much. Stay strong
I chanced upon this, actually thinking I'd watch it to help me better understand someone else. I never applied that label to myself, seeing your video is like looking into a mirror. The overly careful speech pattern (I see the thinking, the double-check 'should I say that'), accent-less reserved almost snooty to an observer (yes I hate the sound of my voice), the constant pruning, a desire to be worth the time of the person you're around. Damn I want to hug you, the emotional baggage of rejection is incredibly heavy. My coping mechanism was (who am I kidding, past tense feels safer... as does third person!) removing myself from the expectation of interaction, positioning myself outside of any social group and asserting that not only could I be happy without anyone, I didn't need to be happy. Now in my early thirties, I'm full of insecurities that effect daily life, but I've somehow without realizing the extent of the problem, moved towards getting better. I now force myself into new situations and outside of comfort zone, even if the only way is false bravado and acting confident. You are attractive, and your identified problems aren't anything that belongs in the pool of available shit that every women/person chooses to worry about. Thanks so much for being my mirror.
Thank you for this video. It's a relief to know that other people are going through similar things. I hope you can overcome your anxiety, you're an amazing and strong person and you deserve to live your life to it's full potential. I hope on day I can overcome my own anxiety
I read your pinned post, and thanks. It has stopped me reading any hurtful comments :) It makes me feel so much better knowing that there are others out there, that feel the same as myself. I'm 29, and found out last year, and suppose I have been feeling a little sorry for myself, which obviously snowballs. This video really made me feel better. Not because you also have such a hard time, because believe me, I know how hard it can be at times. It's just nice to see that we can share experiences, and thus better our self understanding. Thank you :)
Thank you this video helped me a lot. I suffer from severe depression and social anxiety.. It lead to me dropping out of high school in my final year. I got soo much shit when I dropped out from my friends and people I barely knew in my year and I couldn't even explain why so people still think I'm a fucking idiot for making that decision. It always hurt when I try to explain to people what I was going through they would always say "you're just shy, you just have to put yourself out there" It really fucked with my head and I lost my close friends because they just didn't get it.. anyway thank you soo much its soo good to hear someone talk about social anxiety and actually know how it can fuck with you and understand that it isn't like being shy and something that can be easily gotten over.
thank you so much. I've been in very similar situations as you have, and my whole life I've considered myself to be "shy", but it wasn't until I learned anxiety was an actual disorder that I had it. same thing with depression. I wish I watched this video 8 years ago, it would have made my life so much easier. I think the first step to getting better is to accept the fact that you have a problem, at least for me it was. again thank you
Firsty~ you are sooooo pretty! I adore your style too, just beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing...Ive always been an anxious person, even when I was little before the bullying I remember feeling anxious often. But I was still a confident mostly happy kid until the bullying in middle school. I think it just magnified my already anxious disposition and blew it up into social anxiety. I agree with everything youve said and Ive always wondered the same, that what has happened to you is what caused(or made worse/unmanagable) the social anxiety. Hearing someone else say it and confirm it really helps light a fire in me though. Everyday that we let the social anxiety win, you're letting the assholes of your past continue to ruin your life even when they're no longer there. Dont let them. DONT LET THEM. Im going to try harder, thank you for sharing and I hope you find some genuine people in your life, it is hard to find to them but I promise they exist. Nice people like us tend to attract toxic people, as they are great at sniffing out who they can take advantage of. Ive gotten a lot better at standing up for myself, but I have a long way to go. You can do it girl, keep fighting everyday :)
i love your video , the only thing is social anxiety is something that runs in families , its not always caused bye trauma but sometimes is just how a person is , a good example is a overly shy child or toddler . being in a abusive relationship is so awful and can just tear you apart , i hope that you are getting stronger and better !
Kudos to you! You've come a long way. Your journey is not quite over yet, but ONE day it will be. Know it, believe it. Thank you for posting because by doing so, you're helping many, many others.
THANK YOU FOR MAKING THIS VIDEO!!! I have horrible social anxiety. This year I almost got kicked out of school because of how much school I've missed trying to avoid everyone. I hate when people think its " cool " to say they have anxiety to get attention. And I thought I was the only one with the neck twitch thing!!! My neck twitches all the time. My life is like what you explained. It's nice to know there's someone else who understands. I love you Hannah
I have this social anxiety issue too, I've been unemployed for a long time now. I'm 23 and I'm taking all these little steps (which seem huge to me) to start getting mire confidence. It's great that you made a video about it. Thank you!
Bless you. I am the same way, to the tee. Like you've echoed what I feel. You've echoed my experiences... I am a current college student and can't go out of my house without becoming cold-stare scared. Like I can't even order a meal at a fast food restaurant because I get too anxious.. I end up breaking off contact altogether with the person that is trying to talk to me. I literally cannot hear them. In class I try to 'slip through the cracks' like in high school, but always seem to grab the attention of someone because I'm "weird". In the hallways I have to go around buildings because I'm too scared to walk near someone. Right now, being on summer break, I've stayed in my house reading and working in the yard because I'm afraid of my friends. I can't even play football (soccer) anymore... A sport I've played and loved since I was 4... I've been working on getting better, and your video has helped. So thank you.
I used to have very bad social anxiety and was told it was a "chemical imbalance" and I believe that for years. I was on Lexapro for quite a while and it did help quite a bit but looking back I think a lot of it was placebo effect. So much of my anxiety was in my head. Not knowing what to say or do in social situation, being afraid I would say something wrong, etc.. My mind would be going 9000 mph with all these what ifs and then I would end up saying or doing something stupid BECAUSE of the anxiety. That only reinforced my anxiety and made it worse. I can't point to any one thing that got me over my anxiety but just like you said,I eventually just stopped giving a shit about what people thought about me. Embarrassment is an internal feeling.. Fear is an internal fearing.. etc Nobody can make me feel bad about yourself, that's all internal. I was always my own worst enemy and my inner dialog was self defeating and negative. Now I'm happy with myself, I know I have areas I can improve but overall I feel happy. From listening to you I think you're going to do fine. I think you've "figure it out" just be sure and live by it everyday and don't let yourself fall back into the negative thought patterns. Good luck, cheers :)
so sorry to hear about the abuse anf rejection youve suffered...i can relate to alot of what you've been through ..its great youve done a video on this though, be proud of that, others can feel they arent so alone! :) also youre very pretty and have lovely skin!
You seem like a really cool person. I wish I'd know you in real life. I've been struggling with social anxiety for a while now too and at the moment I'm kind of stuck in the past and afraid of things that will help me get further in life, even though I know that facing my fears will help me get over them. There's just something inside me that's holding me back all day every day, but I'm slowly progressing with time (I'm already doing a lot better than a year ago; changed my diet, started exercising intensively and I'm seeing a therapist.. this helped me overcome most of my depression, but it's a lot harder for me to get over my anxieties for some reason..) All the best. x
I am 51 and have had SA for about 20 years. Like you said, it can destroy your life. When you have SA it is part of your thoughts almost every hour of the day, it's awful. Meds do help but I think counseling is really important too. The trick is to learn to shut off the negative thinking, what if I start to panic, what if I get feeling ill, what if I need to leave and I'm trapped, what if, what if! I agree with your comment concerning how we should be happy and F everyone else but as you so well know its not that easy, the thoughts are always there, always causing worry. The cycle must be broken. Thank you and I wish you the best. :-)
Your awesome for posting this vid, it takes courage to come out on a public network and talk about social anxiety. I avoid social situations and meeting new people, but most of the time I just try to confront it and deal with it, and I'm always looking for new ways to cope. I have made a lot of progress, no panic attacks :) but it's been a super long/heart wrenching road. Anyways it feels good to see that I'm not alone, that someone else is fighting as hard as I am. Stay strong :))
I feel you; I go through alot of the same things. What makes it worse is when the people around me don't understand my problem and think that it's something I can just easily get out of, and it's just me making it up. It really takes control of my life and puts me in a state of depression. At least I'm not alone.
Never give up, things will get better. I used to have severe social anxiety but now things are so much better, I cured myself and I can say I'm not a phobic anymore. I never believed when people said to me what I'm saying to you but now I know: You can always change yourself.
Hey, I hope your getting better with the issue of social anxiety. Im going through it myself as well. It was until recently that I realized I had a problem with this and probably need to see a therapist. I wanted to thank you for making this video. I know that im not the only one with this problem and that it affects many people than most would realize; but to actualy hear someone talk about it and speak out on how it affects them and to know exactly how it is like, takes an unbelievable amount of stress off me. This video was not made in vain :^) and bless your little heart
I have so much respect for you posting this video you've been through some real shit and some of it I can actually relate to. I believe you're such a strong person for trying to overcome your fears :)
Thanks so much for making this. I have been going through a lot of problems with my social anxiety and everything you said about your anxiety problems I can completely relate to. After watching this it has helped me realize I am not alone and there are ways I can change it. Thanks for the advice at the end.
Social anxiety ruined my life too, I wish I could do things like a normal person. I've had it for 10 years and it took me 9 years to realize how bad I actually am, you are an inspiration to me Hannah, I find that we have so much in common and I can relate to you in similar ways, your words are so strong and inspirational to everyone, you get fight this and get your life back on track, you will get better and who knows, your life may just turn out amazing.
Thank you so much for this, it's such brilliant advice! I don't have social anxiety, I just don't like dealing with people because I'm a bit awkward and I always seem to do/say the wrong thing, but I always feel like I'm missing out and this is really helpful advice
this describes me so perfectly.. i wish people would understand how much anxiety can affect your life and that it's not a 'trend' and it's actually really scary.
You're gorgeous! I can relate to what you were saying about social anxiety. It's at the point where I don't even want to leave my house because I'm afraid of what might happen once I walk out. I want to talk and be social with other people so bad but I just can't. The simple things in life that people have no problems doing I make into a big complicated situation and it makes me not even want to do anything. You are an inspiration for me I hope you're successful in getting over your social anxiety. I hope to be in the future as we'll. as soon as possible at that. You're eyes are so pretty!
You are a beautiful person and social anxiety does not discriminate. I avoid everyone if able, even at work. I signed up for therapy just yesterday. First step to getting on the right path I hope. My anxiety has destroyed my life for ten years. Shit really sucks sometimes. I am glad to hear you are doing well.
I can entirely relate to this. I've seen a psychiatrist before, in the past, in the military, and when I got out of the military. In fact, the reason for my separation from the military was because of an undiagnosed mental disorder. Without getting into what is 'wrong' with me, it's entirely ruined everything for me. On top of being separated from the military, I haven't been able to find a job. Thinking of the social interaction that comes with the job (being held up to high expectations, having others rely on you, showing up on time, confrontation in the work place or when wanting to quit, ect.) is very difficult to deal with. Even THINKING about going to job interviews causes panic attacks, and now I'm finding it harder and harder to find the money to get into college, on top of having the money to be an independent adult. Mental illness is not cool, and I see people online wearing their "disorder" on their sleeves, like they actually have one or understand it. Nobody would be bragging about not being able to pay for a car, not being able to go to college, and not having money to buy friends or family gifts, or even not being able to be in a relationship (luckily I have been able to keep onto mine because I did save up money from being in the military). Nothing about any of this is cool, and nobody wants to be on government aid because of an illness.
Can people stop watching/commenting on this just to post hateful opinions with out any reason, I made this to help people, no other reason, and if that's not why you're here then don't bother, aimless hatred will get you nowhere.
+Hannah-rose Walpole
Love your eyes! Very engaging youre such a sweet soul I wish you all the best x
I don't know if you'll even get this, I've been alone fire 22yrs, panic attacks, I've been through heroine addiction, I just wanna die anymore
I have such bad social anxiety, I wouldn't even be able to record myself and post it on here. Props to you.
Story of my life. One thing you missed, social anxiety, anxiety in general, can run in your family. Rejection/bullying/bad experiences and have it run in your family, that's what has ruined my life. I think about everyday, every fucking day, how am I going to do something different I ask myself. Then at the end of the day, I realize I've done the same shit I did the day before - avoided social situations. And I'm trying to find a job - I get a job and a week later get fired because I'm not 'bubbly' enough. People think shy, nervous or anxious people are SNOBBY. Ha! Imagine that....how are socially anxious people supposed to get better in a world full of ignorance and hate? Trust me I had my share of shit experiences, abuse, drugs, abandonment, you name it. It takes a toll on your self esteem for sure. I feel like, after beating heroin..and moving to Australia (escaping my past), I should be a whole new person. But it doesn't end....doesn't fucking end. All you can do, is do your research, find out how to be a confident person, and make the change. Only you can change you.
You can cure your social anxiety permanently here: *StopSocialAnxiety . info*
This is how I describe social anxiety to someone who doesn't have it:
Imagine you are standing on stage in front of a huge crowd of people. You know they aren't mean, or malicious in any way. But for some reason, you just CANT stop this inner anxiety. Sure you can try and reason in your head and tell yourself the people aren't gonna judge you etc.. but you're still nervous. Normal Reaction right?
Now imagine that same feeling every time you talk with someone. Even when its just 1 or 2 people. This is what some of us live with every day.
we have the same story like exactly and I can't actually believe how pretty and intelligent you are. I have no idea why anybody would wanna bully you.
Same, you are just as beautiful.
nick frechen
excuse me bro, hey girl wassup
You can cure your social anxiety forever here: *StopSocialAnxiety . info*
Hey Amy... I was bullied and overcame Social Anxiety... I have a spanking brand new channel to help people with Social Anxiety. If you suffer from him maybe it can be of some help :-)
Greg Williams Nice dude! A random .info website link in a youtube comment, im sure thatll lead to a legit way to cure my anxiety forever!
Totally agree with you Hannah!.....social anxiety is so much worse than 'I feel a bit nervous because X, Y or Z'. It's great that you're trying to raise awareness and let others like myself know that we're not alone. The unfortunate thing is that, SA, by its nature leads us to believe we're the only one with the condition.
I have it too, and its not really getting better but its not getting worse.
I stay inside a lot, I'm really scared of leaving the house and it feels like I'm on a constant rollercoaster.
I've only had a few panic attacks, which were in bad situations, like when I had to attend a funeral I passed out after leaving the car and had a panic attack when I got back up, it wasn't nice at all.
Luckily, the medicine I'm given helps weaken those effects but not massively :(
I'm the same, hardly ever leave the house, recently I had to attend a family wedding and was getting panic attacks, I ended up consuming a large amount of alcohol just to help get through the situation, even though I dislike alcohol.
i don't understand how someone could bully you for being ugly, you're beautiful!! people in the uk are really fucked up...
True
No she probably got bullied because other girls were jealous, but they werent ever gonna admit that so they say "its cause she is ugly". Happens just as much in the USA.
Agree - she's very pretty!
I hate most people in Britain, especially the young generation, they're so cynical and just shallow, and Im young myself but I think this growing obsession with celebrity has alot to do with it.
One Pretty Muthafucka
Hmm but people often say they are beautiful on the inside, as in a really good, nice person.
The social isolation worsen the anxiety.
not always, especially if you use the time to study psychology and examin your life with this new knowledge in head.
Yes..
you're such an amazing person and I think you're such a good influence on anyone whether they have social anxiety or not. it's heartbreaking to hear what you've been through but you're so strong and beautiful and just thank you so much xxx
You are so brave! I suffer from social anxiety, and completely understand the avoidance of people, such as not wanting to walk past someone in the street so deciding to take a huge detour just to avoid them, I have done it many times, it's so ridiculous but its something in my brain that constantly thinks, what do they think of me, if I say this, look like, or do that. Social anxiety has prevented me from making lasting close friendships, because when faced with the fear of making conversations, not really understanding what I should say, I choose not to because of fear, which people don't want to really be around because they see it as shy, disinterested, busy, and not wanting to be their friend when really I do. I'm trying to face my social anxiety fears, most of the time i'm faced with them, your video has made me realise i'm not the only one going through this, thanks x
People like you are amazing. You went through so much, but still strive to become better, physically and mentally. I look up to you girl. x
so i am not the only one. thank god. people wouldnt believe how badly i fucked up my life because of my social anxiety.
Thank you so much for doing this video, I've suffered with social anxiety ever since high school/ secondary and some times it feels like I won't ever be normal but that fact that someone with your experience can be so strong is such an inspiration and motivation to better myself.
Hello Hannah
I am in an Art class now, I got through the first year, but now I am doing Graphic Design Level 3 and I haven't been in college for a month..
I'm so glad you're improving. I have a milder case of social anxiety so I can empathize with some of what you went through. Your past sounds terrifying and it's amazing how much strength you maintained to get through it. You seem truly beautiful, inside and out, and I wish the best to you and others in this situation. You've helped a lot with this video.
I've spent the last 8 years with this disorder. It's been that bad the last 4 years to the point I've been in my room every day, all day. I got the courage to go to see my gp on Monday and was prescribed fluoxetine and beta blockers. I start the fluoxetine next week but the beta blockers have helped me this week. They are a god send. I advise anyone with social anxiety that suffers from really bad physical symptoms like twitchy neck and lips when nervous, shaking, panic attacks or tachycardia to ask your doctor for propranolol. Once you get rid of the physical symptoms you can begin to work on the mental ones by going to cbt and hopefully you rid yourself of this debilitating disorder. Don't make the mistake I did by waiting and thinking it will go away. I wasted 8 years of my life thinking that. No matter how nervous you get, go and see a doctor. Once you make that step, you start to see things a little brighter. All you need is that little spark of hope to start a fire =p. thank you for making this video.
You are so inspiring. I've been suffering from social anxiety for as long as I can remember and just hearing you basically echo my life make's me realise that i'm not alone and i'm not the only one that has these stupid issues. So thank you
I agree with you completely about awareness, I had social anxiety and didn't even know it existed, I always thought I was just being stupid, and it's a horrible thing to have, especially when combined with depression, it gets to the point where I won't eat or won't buy myself any new clothes etc because I feel like if I do that I'm being selfish. this video helped out a lot because just knowing I'm not the only one out there, that's a huge comfort. so thank you for uploading this video, it means a lot to me xx
nooo don't feel bad for doing something nice for yourself. It's not selfish. You're taking care of yourself, which is what you should be doing.
Lucy Rai Moonstone Thanks :) today I treated myself to a new pair of jeans, went out all by myself and made an attempt to be social, felt like crying the entire time but I tried and that's enough for me for now, I'm ok when I have my partner or a trusted person with me but when he's not around I get insecure so for me to do this on my own was a huge deal :)
awww, nooo don't cry about going out by yourself, be proudddd :) youre doing the right thing trying to be abit more braver each day. Maybe next time you can think of a more fun place to visit, might be good to go somewhere where you think open minded, non-judgemental people goo... :)
That's a great idea, so far one place I'm very confident is my kickboxing club, I even help teach there now :) I think it's because my instructor (a good friend of mine) and my partner are both there, but I'm doing very well there, and I recently went on a confidence course and was able to speak to the group with no issues, it just depends on the people around me :)
heyyy that's greatttt :) maybe sticking with people you really like, and whom make you feel comfortable is how you'll enjoy life the most thennnn :) its no fun tryna chat and make friends u don't really like anyways... heheheh
I found this really helpful thanks for making this. Ive been suffering for a long time now and knowing other people are battling the same thing gives me hope. For anyone who doesn't have it you are very lucky people.
I wouldn't wish this on anyone.
I know what you feel like I've been through the same lost all my friends and was badly bullied and now have social anxiety and people get bored of me . You are very pretty dont think you are ugly . Just live in the moment concentrate what you can do for yourself dont think of others
You are soo soo pretty and soo soo smart..I seriously cant even believe what you've been through, I know its something deeper but im so happy youre helping other people by sharing youre story. I tired once and those people made my life a lot harder..so good for you for being brave.
If someone believes they have anxiety, and says they do. It doesn't necessarily mean that they're trying to be "cool". or sound cool. at all.
Just because It's not as severe as it may be, for one, it doesn't mean it's not just as crippling, for another.
Just saying.
Thank you for sharing your story, I'm still battling with social anxiety almost all my life. Although, I progressively gotten better over the years but still dealing with this anxiety but I try to push myself everyday and I hope that one day I overcome this feeling. Thanks for the motivation, you're very inspiring! :)
How are you doing now, Im 31 and it is still very difficult for me, I have tools to combat it but it still holds me back and it is soooo hard sometimes... it really does rule my life... I know how you feel... really I do... I think us anxiety heads have the tendency to think and feel no one can possibly understand how we feel... but trust me I do... its bloody awful sometimes... but keep your head up girl... Sometimes I think many of us are just hyper sensitive to energy and emotion and I even sometimes like to think we are actually special, we have just not realized it yet
literally this is exactly my life. love you girl.
A good informative video with an honest insight on the subject. But remember people, there isn't just one type of anxiety. There is some people who have general/health anxiety which is an obsessive fear of dying or fainting. Anxiety is actually a really bad and difficult mindfuck to overcome. Just like to share... Who ever is reading this isn't the only one. Just relax, and be alpha and accept who you are and don't give a fuck. You're only here once in physical form, so please don't ruin your life by obsessing over stupid things! I could honestly talk forever on this subject it fucking ruined my social life and physical appearance, stop worrying and channel your anxious stimulation into something creative! LIVE YOUR LIFE BRAHS!
I have social anxiety and this is such a great video.. Thankyou for making it and making awareness of this situation.. I struggle so much myself and tend to stay in bed all day every day apart from college which I can't even go buy food without freaking out and can't eat around people or take my coat off.. So thankyou for making this video!! Much love x
Does anyone go really red when they are being spoke to or your speaking to them?! Or even just sitting in a room with people thinking there looking at me I go red and I don't no why! Its definitely not shyness because before my teens I used to be this happy, outgoing girl always on stage and getting involved with things but suddenly I went red one day in class because I got the answer wrong and everything went down hill, it was the worst feeling in my life everybody looking at me laughing at me. I wish I was that girl again who didn't give a fuck about people judging me I just don't know what happened I even go red when my parents speak to me and I cant even explain why they just think I'm shy but even they get confused because they know I've never been that type of girl (not that shyness is a bad thing) its just I don't know taking over my life! I think about it everyday and how I'm gonna deal with it, it is literally putting me in depression I just want to be normal again😪
Yes i feel exactly the same my face would turn like a beetroot, lol. It was horrible as a teen but now I don't know what would happen Ive always avoided people and social gathering or doing anything that would make me the centre of attention, are you in the |UK? \do some meditation and calm th mind down.
Thank you, I found this SO incredibly helpful. I have social anxiety and get panic attacks, and it has began to affect me more as I have gotten older, so I am only just coming to terms with my disorder. I admire your bravery for talking about a subject that is obviously so close to home for you. I am not sure I could just look at a camera and explain all of this. This means so much to me as I have been so scared of social anxiety (and people in general) recently. Thank you. x
my mum thinks i choose to be like this but i tell her i don't and she says it's my fault
yes i know my mom used to tell me that too....nobody can understand you!!!..big news though I M OVER IT !!! YES IT CAN BE HEALED..!!!i m so outgoing now and people telling me all the time...don't lose hope...!!!
leniw lenaki :)
BellicaTV its not your fault, your not alone in how you feel x
***** yep... :/
Social phobia wasn't a mental health problem until 1986
aw you're so beautiful! i'm so glad i came across this video! i suffer with social anxiety and depression too and it affects me everyday, i've finally realised just because there's not many people around me that suffer with these kind of things it doesn't mean i'm alone, thankyou for making this video! c:
Wow you are so beautiful. Hope you get better soon.
So proud of you Hannah! ever since I started watching your videos, you've showed everyone who you are, and this will mean so much to your fans and myself! Thank you loads for the videos and what you said, its really helped, and always be postive and never let anything horrible get in your life, so proud of you!!! :) :)
How do you know if you have social anxiety or are just extremely shy?
If it effects you on a daily basis, it's social anxiety.
I was just stating that the one clear indication if you have a mental illness like social anxiety for example is if it effects you on a daily basis and if it effects you all the time then that's when problems start to occur which indicates you may have a mental illness problem, but if you get anxiety problems occasionally then that is normal, because everyone experiences anxiety at times.
*****
***** Right, but in a person with social anxiety the signals between neurons don't connect right. You are just an ignorami and can't understand that some people have real mental problems. So cut the bull and do some real research.
Example. Your cable goes out. It takes you some time before you can call the cable company about it. You need to write down what you're going to say to the person who answers the phone. You rehearse it a few times.
DeathIsPlanC You CANNOT call the cable company... You just CANNOT it's impossible, you feel like you will fall down and die on the spot before you are able to pick up the phone and when you eventually do.. If you have the will power... You stuff up on the phone, stumble over your words, or bitchy because you're so freaked out... AAAAH!! Yeah, that's how it is for me anyway XD I cannot leave the house without someone with me, I have to go to collect my ID or something and I can't, 6 months later... I go to collect it and well... It's GONE! Fuck... Now I go through it all over again. :'( Why!?
Hannah I am so glad i found your channel. I suffer from anxiety and depression myself and know how damaging it can be, I'm on anti depressants to control it and have had counselling. I think your strong and inspirational and beautiful and awesome and your videos are amazing xxxx
Has anyone noticed 99% of the girls who suffer from this (along with myself) are fucking GORGEOUS? D:
***** Wonderful explanation!
It could be because 99% of these beautiful people are also good looking within and don't want people hating on them for stealing their spotlight. It could be that these beautiful people think other people see them as a threat, since they have beauty and a good personality. Someone who has beauty and a good personality could be extremely dangerous to someone's status if they are able to socialise.
It might mean that these beautiful people not being able to socialize will benefit the people who are not as beautiful since they can socialise.
That is my opinion on the matter ( ._.)
This video made me feel not so alone. thank you. I have done so many of the things you have spoken about and have only recently found out i had social anxiety. I never had heard about it until this year, but it has actually ruined my life. I so many times, walk a different way to avoid walking past anyone, I have been rejected by so many friends because they have got bored of me and I used to change my idea for school work because I didn't want to ask for help or go up and get more paper etc. It is seriously horrible. Nobody understands it, my family, my boyfriend, and I don't feel like i have anyone to talk to about it. I hope you are getting better now. I don't know why people have been so horrible to you. You seem like a really nice, genuine girl. It is so hard to love yourself and not care what people think, but I am trying every day to believe this x
The funniest, or strangest I should say, thing about the social anxiety vids posted by sufferers are that they all happen to be particulary attractive or appealing in some way. Is this a contributor in any way, does anyone think?
I honestly can't put into words how much this has motivated me to overcome my anxiety, its so hard to motivate yourself to deal with it and to move on, I've suffered most of my life and don't really know who I am yet because of it, so thank you for uploading and sharing your story, I hope it motivates other people as much as it has me:) x
Try and live with a stammer, it is 10 times worse, Yeah I do understand you so much though, I used to miss lessons in school because I did not want people to laugh at me when I stammer
If you had a stammer, you would understand, I am not having a go at the girl, I do feel sorry for her but having a stammer is much worse. I was bullied for my stammer in high school, Always felt alone at times, Missing lessons and would be afraid about going on a bus or ringing up someone or answering the phone. Being laughed at or some people copying my stammer. Living with a stammer is one of the hardest problems to live with.
Yes but talking is how to be social, now she can talk but people that stammer can not at times. I heard one story of one guy wanting to take his own life because of it. Why did people bully you for then ?
yeah i always keeping smiling even though i am not happy
I agree with this other person, you can't say your problem is worse if you haven't experienced social anxiety yourself, and I can't say my problem is worse. I've never been bullied, yet I can't for the love of me talk to people normally, and it makes me really sad. I want to go to conventions and have fun being social, I want to participate in live action roleplaying, but I would never be able to do that. I want to talk to people and make friends, but I can't talk to someone unless they start the conversation. Lately, I've felt like I'm about to puke when sorrunded by strangers, and I have to find someplace void of people to calm down.
I just wanted to say thank you. I thought I was very much alone in the way I felt. Your frankness is an inspiration, because it takes a lot of courage to voice how it is to live with something most people don't understand. I'm going to try and take your advice and make the most out of every day. So yeah, thank you.
you're so beautiful
Your words are so comforting. I've felt like an outsider all my life and felt bad about my tendency to withdraw from social situations. I often consider myself as very weird, cause I can't relax in new situations easily or develop new relationships without huge amount of effort to encourage myself and push myself forward and out there. It's always been hard for me to accept my personality as an introvert and I've never been supported much emotionally by my family or so called friends. I was already shy as a child, but as I got bullied as a teenager I pretty much shut myself and my only interactions were with boyfriend at the time. Still today I need to keep really motivated if I want to get noticed by people around me in social situations, cause I tend to keep quiet unless the people are close friends. I've been purposely developing the will to open up, as I know the world nowadays to be designed mostly for out-going people and people who are confident with their social selves. For us introverts and socially different people the atmosphere inside the society can be really pressuring and even disabling, cause we don't get enough time and space to warm up slowly instead of acting spontaneously when a new situations come by. I guess the best way to come to terms with the outside world is to focus on one's own power, energy and following the own, special and unique path instead of comparing anything to others.
I went thru the same things. People made fun and bullied me from 5th grade until 12th grade. I was always told the same things you were told. I have been suckered as well. It sucks and we did not deserve that type of treatment from people who obviously don't know what they are talking about. Great video :)
I have so much respect for you.
I completely admire you for making this, honestly your a gorgeous person and this made me feel so much better to see that someone else is going through the same shit, chin up I hope it gets better for you x
You have just explained so much I'm going through in life right now and your video is really inspirational to me, and your right ignore and f*** off anybody who tries to bring you down they are not worth it and you are very pretty by the way, thank you for uploading this video.
i'm proud of you for speaking so confidently and clearly, without stuttering/pausing/etc. i'm proud of you for posting it and not getting too ashamed to do it. i identify with almost every single detail in this video. i hope you get better, and i hope all of us do too. thank you beautiful x
This means so much. My anxiety started really bad when I got diagnosed with m.e/cfs 3 years ago had to drop out of school and had constant bullying about how much I was lying, faking it I deserve to get worse. To the point when I have the rare energy to go out with crutches I choose not to because of them thanks for this video Hannah its helped so much your honestly amazing so happy that a person with as many viewers as you is genuine enough to do this, it means so much I hope you improve xxx
I am completely shocked on how similar my symptoms are! In highschool i was anti-social but it worsened as I got older. It makes me feel at least a little comfortable that I am not alone. I'm sorry about your bullying and couldn't even believe it, you're GORGEOUS! I understand how impossible it feels to escape these feelings but nice to know that you are taking that stepping stone and overcoming anxiety by making these videos, expand your comfort zone!
I have suffered with social anxiety all my life. It is extremely painful when your own mind forces you not to do so much because of your fears. Over the last 5 years I have improved tremendously but I still struggle. Social anxiety is nothing to be ashamed of and you can conquer it. I really appreciate this video. Thank You.
Thank you for posting this. You're very brave and it's a caring gesture to tell your story so it will help other people. I cannot begin to understand how social anxiety must feel. I remember being very shy as a young teen and I would feel sick before going to school. I would tear up when a guy spoke to me because I was so scared. But I haven't suffered with real anxiety before. But I can relate to self harming and suicidal thoughts from my depression. Your video was inspiring! I hope you are feeling better. Therapy with the right therapist can work wonders. Love and light.
Hannah I think you've made great strides actually being able to talk about this. I am in a similar boat and it really is about self confidence like you said. One thing I wanna add that might help with this. People don't really care about you that much, what they're really concerned about is what you think about them. I could go on but you already know all this, you just have to believe in yourself more and apply it. I hope it helps and keep on trucking. Your doing great! :)
I can't believe I came across this video. I was researching people's stories about getting their first tattoos and how their experiences are and stuff and I see this video. When I engage in conversation I also don't know what to say and feeling like crying. I go red, eyes water and simply just embarrass myself. I fear being looked at as I get pressure from it and I just hate being social in general. I also have shared the whole school thing with staying with myself and being distant from my Family because of social anxiety. Thank you for the upload, it makes me feel better that I'm not the only one going through this in the world ;) I'm trying to fight it everyday and hopefully one day I will overcome it. Thanks :)
This really helped me. I feel very alone with those feelings, and mine pretty closely relate to yours. I've been working at it everyday though, and am trying to fix my life from all the opportunities I missed. This is really great and must have taken a lot of courage. I appreciate it.
I agree. I have a friend who talks about having social anxiety all the time, but really, she just gets a little nervous before meeting new people. Not the same thing. I like to run, and one time, I decided that I wanted to try a triathlon. I'm a terrible swimmer, so I went to a pool to practice by myself. I ran into a guy who does swimming lessons there, and he was really friendly and invited me to a class. I wanted to step out of my comfort zone, so I decided to go. But after I got into the water, I saw all of the other swimmers and started having a panic attack. I was twelve feet deep in a pool full of strangers, and I literally couldn't breathe. It was then I realized that my social anxiety was ruining my life and standing in the way of reaching my goals. Since then, I've gotten help and I'm doing a lot better. But I still have days where I wish my hair was longer or that I didn't have acne scars all over my face or my thighs were thinner. And it's hard to go out in public. But we do what we have to do and carry on. Thanks for your video. It's helpful.
definitely true. i've just recently begun to fully realize how hard this can be to understand to other people without it
Ive noticed my social anxiety since I was in middle school, when I entered highschool I started understanding the seriousness of it. "Why are you so quiet". "Are you shy?" were questions I hated the most. Avoiding eye contact, avoiding conversation and attention, it feels like invisible pressure. One thing I found that actually relieved my anxiety is being in a competitive state. Anything competitive brought out a side of me I never thought I had, the will to win is priceless.
Thank you for making this video :) so inspirational and your so beautiful! it’s so sad to hear what you went through! I hope you’re doing so much better now! ❤️
It's nice to know that I can relate to you! As you were saying my life has been ruined with Social Anxiety because of feeling sick, crying, panic attacks etc. I hate it.,
This is my first video of yours, and one of the best on social anxiety i have ever seen. i so much appreciate you making it, and "putting yourself out there" for people like me who need to hear this. Yes, it made me subscribe! You are wonderful.
The haters are pitiful power-trippers who need to get a life, don't let them get under your skin, or have space in your head... that is exactly what they want.
how can you possibly think that you´re ugly? you´re beautiful!
I really respect you for doing this video a lot of people I've met always claim they sufer from social anxiety but have no symptoms of it like mine so i always just thought it was just in my head so thank you for being able to share, im glade i can relate to someone
I know exactly how you feel, I unfortunately suffer from the same problem, and I'm currently on medication for it. I feel your same frustration for people who proclaim they have the same problem when they don't. Thank you for making people more aware of this, even if in a small way.
Hannah, I'm so sorry about your anxiety, I deal with the same thing and it's getting worse. I'm starting to lose friends now because of it, too. Your video was really helpful and thank you so much. Stay strong
Hannah thankyou so much for making this video, you have no idea of the impact this made and the people you've helped, so thankyou 3
I chanced upon this, actually thinking I'd watch it to help me better understand someone else. I never applied that label to myself, seeing your video is like looking into a mirror. The overly careful speech pattern (I see the thinking, the double-check 'should I say that'), accent-less reserved almost snooty to an observer (yes I hate the sound of my voice), the constant pruning, a desire to be worth the time of the person you're around. Damn I want to hug you, the emotional baggage of rejection is incredibly heavy. My coping mechanism was (who am I kidding, past tense feels safer... as does third person!) removing myself from the expectation of interaction, positioning myself outside of any social group and asserting that not only could I be happy without anyone, I didn't need to be happy. Now in my early thirties, I'm full of insecurities that effect daily life, but I've somehow without realizing the extent of the problem, moved towards getting better. I now force myself into new situations and outside of comfort zone, even if the only way is false bravado and acting confident. You are attractive, and your identified problems aren't anything that belongs in the pool of available shit that every women/person chooses to worry about. Thanks so much for being my mirror.
Thank you for this video. It's a relief to know that other people are going through similar things. I hope you can overcome your anxiety, you're an amazing and strong person and you deserve to live your life to it's full potential. I hope on day I can overcome my own anxiety
I read your pinned post, and thanks. It has stopped me reading any hurtful comments :) It makes me feel so much better knowing that there are others out there, that feel the same as myself. I'm 29, and found out last year, and suppose I have been feeling a little sorry for myself, which obviously snowballs. This video really made me feel better. Not because you also have such a hard time, because believe me, I know how hard it can be at times. It's just nice to see that we can share experiences, and thus better our self understanding. Thank you :)
Thank you this video helped me a lot. I suffer from severe depression and social anxiety.. It lead to me dropping out of high school in my final year. I got soo much shit when I dropped out from my friends and people I barely knew in my year and I couldn't even explain why so people still think I'm a fucking idiot for making that decision. It always hurt when I try to explain to people what I was going through they would always say "you're just shy, you just have to put yourself out there" It really fucked with my head and I lost my close friends because they just didn't get it.. anyway thank you soo much its soo good to hear someone talk about social anxiety and actually know how it can fuck with you and understand that it isn't like being shy and something that can be easily gotten over.
thank you so much. I've been in very similar situations as you have, and my whole life I've considered myself to be "shy", but it wasn't until I learned anxiety was an actual disorder that I had it. same thing with depression. I wish I watched this video 8 years ago, it would have made my life so much easier. I think the first step to getting better is to accept the fact that you have a problem, at least for me it was. again thank you
He has a lot of emotion into this song. It helps me get through the day.
Firsty~ you are sooooo pretty! I adore your style too, just beautiful.
Thanks so much for sharing...Ive always been an anxious person, even when I was little before the bullying I remember feeling anxious often. But I was still a confident mostly happy kid until the bullying in middle school. I think it just magnified my already anxious disposition and blew it up into social anxiety.
I agree with everything youve said and Ive always wondered the same, that what has happened to you is what caused(or made worse/unmanagable) the social anxiety. Hearing someone else say it and confirm it really helps light a fire in me though.
Everyday that we let the social anxiety win, you're letting the assholes of your past continue to ruin your life even when they're no longer there. Dont let them. DONT LET THEM. Im going to try harder, thank you for sharing and I hope you find some genuine people in your life, it is hard to find to them but I promise they exist.
Nice people like us tend to attract toxic people, as they are great at sniffing out who they can take advantage of. Ive gotten a lot better at standing up for myself, but I have a long way to go. You can do it girl, keep fighting everyday :)
Thank you for being so brave in sharing this. It's really hard to talk about bullying and abuse but in doing so, I know you've helped many. Take care.
i love your video , the only thing is social anxiety is something that runs in families , its not always caused bye trauma but sometimes is just how a person is , a good example is a overly shy child or toddler . being in a abusive relationship is so awful and can just tear you apart , i hope that you are getting stronger and better !
Kudos to you! You've come a long way. Your journey is not quite over yet, but ONE day it will be. Know it, believe it. Thank you for posting because by doing so, you're helping many, many others.
THANK YOU FOR MAKING THIS VIDEO!!! I have horrible social anxiety. This year I almost got kicked out of school because of how much school I've missed trying to avoid everyone. I hate when people think its " cool " to say they have anxiety to get attention. And I thought I was the only one with the neck twitch thing!!! My neck twitches all the time. My life is like what you explained. It's nice to know there's someone else who understands. I love you Hannah
I have this social anxiety issue too, I've been unemployed for a long time now. I'm 23 and I'm taking all these little steps (which seem huge to me) to start getting mire confidence. It's great that you made a video about it. Thank you!
Bless you. I am the same way, to the tee. Like you've echoed what I feel. You've echoed my experiences... I am a current college student and can't go out of my house without becoming cold-stare scared. Like I can't even order a meal at a fast food restaurant because I get too anxious.. I end up breaking off contact altogether with the person that is trying to talk to me. I literally cannot hear them. In class I try to 'slip through the cracks' like in high school, but always seem to grab the attention of someone because I'm "weird". In the hallways I have to go around buildings because I'm too scared to walk near someone. Right now, being on summer break, I've stayed in my house reading and working in the yard because I'm afraid of my friends. I can't even play football (soccer) anymore... A sport I've played and loved since I was 4... I've been working on getting better, and your video has helped. So thank you.
I used to have very bad social anxiety and was told it was a "chemical imbalance" and I believe that for years. I was on Lexapro for quite a while and it did help quite a bit but looking back I think a lot of it was placebo effect. So much of my anxiety was in my head. Not knowing what to say or do in social situation, being afraid I would say something wrong, etc.. My mind would be going 9000 mph with all these what ifs and then I would end up saying or doing something stupid BECAUSE of the anxiety. That only reinforced my anxiety and made it worse. I can't point to any one thing that got me over my anxiety but just like you said,I eventually just stopped giving a shit about what people thought about me. Embarrassment is an internal feeling.. Fear is an internal fearing.. etc Nobody can make me feel bad about yourself, that's all internal. I was always my own worst enemy and my inner dialog was self defeating and negative. Now I'm happy with myself, I know I have areas I can improve but overall I feel happy. From listening to you I think you're going to do fine. I think you've "figure it out" just be sure and live by it everyday and don't let yourself fall back into the negative thought patterns. Good luck, cheers :)
so sorry to hear about the abuse anf rejection youve suffered...i can relate to alot of what you've been through ..its great youve done a video on this though, be proud of that, others can feel they arent so alone! :) also youre very pretty and have lovely skin!
You seem like a really cool person. I wish I'd know you in real life. I've been struggling with social anxiety for a while now too and at the moment I'm kind of stuck in the past and afraid of things that will help me get further in life, even though I know that facing my fears will help me get over them. There's just something inside me that's holding me back all day every day, but I'm slowly progressing with time (I'm already doing a lot better than a year ago; changed my diet, started exercising intensively and I'm seeing a therapist.. this helped me overcome most of my depression, but it's a lot harder for me to get over my anxieties for some reason..) All the best. x
Social Anxiety is hell on earth -I seriously feel your pain. Honestly though what you said at the end is easier said then done.
I am 51 and have had SA for about 20 years. Like you said, it can destroy your life. When you have SA it is part of your thoughts almost every hour of the day, it's awful. Meds do help but I think counseling is really important too. The trick is to learn to shut off the negative thinking, what if I start to panic, what if I get feeling ill, what if I need to leave and I'm trapped, what if, what if! I agree with your comment concerning how we should be happy and F everyone else but as you so well know its not that easy, the thoughts are always there, always causing worry. The cycle must be broken. Thank you and I wish you the best. :-)
Your awesome for posting this vid, it takes courage to come out on a public network and talk about social anxiety. I avoid social situations and meeting new people, but most of the time I just try to confront it and deal with it, and I'm always looking for new ways to cope. I have made a lot of progress, no panic attacks :) but it's been a super long/heart wrenching road. Anyways it feels good to see that I'm not alone, that someone else is fighting as hard as I am. Stay strong :))
I feel you; I go through alot of the same things. What makes it worse is when the people around me don't understand my problem and think that it's something I can just easily get out of, and it's just me making it up. It really takes control of my life and puts me in a state of depression. At least I'm not alone.
Never give up, things will get better. I used to have severe social anxiety but now things are so much better, I cured myself and I can say I'm not a phobic anymore. I never believed when people said to me what I'm saying to you but now I know: You can always change yourself.
Hey, I hope your getting better with the issue of social anxiety. Im going through it myself as well. It was until recently that I realized I had a problem with this and probably need to see a therapist. I wanted to thank you for making this video. I know that im not the only one with this problem and that it affects many people than most would realize; but to actualy hear someone talk about it and speak out on how it affects them and to know exactly how it is like, takes an unbelievable amount of stress off me. This video was not made in vain :^) and bless your little heart
I have so much respect for you posting this video you've been through some real shit and some of it I can actually relate to. I believe you're such a strong person for trying to overcome your fears :)
i am so glad you found the confidence to make this video, you are beautiful and inspiring!
Thnx for this video!! It sounded really hard to share but you have helped so many people!! The end of this video was so inspirational!!
the friend thing oh my god and basically everything else you just described my entire life in your video okay what
Thanks so much for making this. I have been going through a lot of problems with my social anxiety and everything you said about your anxiety problems I can completely relate to. After watching this it has helped me realize I am not alone and there are ways I can change it. Thanks for the advice at the end.
Social anxiety ruined my life too, I wish I could do things like a normal person. I've had it for 10 years and it took me 9 years to realize how bad I actually am, you are an inspiration to me Hannah, I find that we have so much in common and I can relate to you in similar ways, your words are so strong and inspirational to everyone, you get fight this and get your life back on track, you will get better and who knows, your life may just turn out amazing.
Thank you so much for this, it's such brilliant advice! I don't have social anxiety, I just don't like dealing with people because I'm a bit awkward and I always seem to do/say the wrong thing, but I always feel like I'm missing out and this is really helpful advice
this describes me so perfectly.. i wish people would understand how much anxiety can affect your life and that it's not a 'trend' and it's actually really scary.
You're gorgeous! I can relate to what you were saying about social anxiety. It's at the point where I don't even want to leave my house because I'm afraid of what might happen once I walk out. I want to talk and be social with other people so bad but I just can't. The simple things in life that people have no problems doing I make into a big complicated situation and it makes me not even want to do anything. You are an inspiration for me I hope you're successful in getting over your social anxiety. I hope to be in the future as we'll. as soon as possible at that. You're eyes are so pretty!
You are a beautiful person and social anxiety does not discriminate. I avoid everyone if able, even at work. I signed up for therapy just yesterday. First step to getting on the right path I hope. My anxiety has destroyed my life for ten years.
Shit really sucks sometimes. I am glad to hear you are doing well.
I can entirely relate to this. I've seen a psychiatrist before, in the past, in the military, and when I got out of the military. In fact, the reason for my separation from the military was because of an undiagnosed mental disorder. Without getting into what is 'wrong' with me, it's entirely ruined everything for me. On top of being separated from the military, I haven't been able to find a job. Thinking of the social interaction that comes with the job (being held up to high expectations, having others rely on you, showing up on time, confrontation in the work place or when wanting to quit, ect.) is very difficult to deal with. Even THINKING about going to job interviews causes panic attacks, and now I'm finding it harder and harder to find the money to get into college, on top of having the money to be an independent adult.
Mental illness is not cool, and I see people online wearing their "disorder" on their sleeves, like they actually have one or understand it. Nobody would be bragging about not being able to pay for a car, not being able to go to college, and not having money to buy friends or family gifts, or even not being able to be in a relationship (luckily I have been able to keep onto mine because I did save up money from being in the military). Nothing about any of this is cool, and nobody wants to be on government aid because of an illness.