genericwhitemale Posted December 10, 2022 Share Posted December 10, 2022 29-year old male. I work as a high school teacher and have fairly severe social anxiety (long story) and have been in recovery from anorexia, having lived with it for a decade. So my principal (and another teacher) suggested we go to dinner some time. I find this exceptionally challenging. Restaurants are hard due to my issues with body image (I believe to this day I'm disgusting fat and have no idea if it's true or not) and the social aspect. I know if I turn the invite down I'll look like a jerk. We have a staff Xmas party tomorrow at a co-worker's house. I sort of want to go, but also don't. A co-worker has been sort of encouraging me to go, but also sort of gets why I find it tough. As well, we had our students vs teachers volleyball game today and a couple of the kids asked me to play. Keeping in mind these kids are some of the nicest I've ever taught. I would've played but then the idea of the whole school staring at me...I couldn't. Last, my seniors asked me to speak at their grad this year. This I will do come hell or high water. I love this group of kids and I don't want to miss out on this. But my God, the idea of speaking in front of students, staff, parents...man, it'll be tough. I know this is a laundry list of complaints. I just need to get it off my chest. I just feel a bit overwhelmed with the food aspect (especially this time of year) and socializing. End rant. Link to post Share on other sites
Wiseman2 Posted December 10, 2022 Share Posted December 10, 2022 5 hours ago, genericwhitemale said: 29-year old male. I work as a high school teacher and have fairly severe social anxiety and have been in recovery from anorexia, Do you have health insurance through work? See a physician for an evaluation of your physical and mental health. Get some tests done. Ask for a referral to a qualified therapist for ongoing support. See if there are regular support groups available for additional support. While you can sidestep a few social and dining situations, it may be more helpful overall to address the issues which you seem to have very good insight into. Link to post Share on other sites
glows Posted December 10, 2022 Share Posted December 10, 2022 Do you inhibit yourself from going to restaurants in general, alone or with people, because you worry about how you look? Go anyway to the Xmas party and take care of your own ride home so you’re not tied to anyone else who may want to stay longer. Uber home if you need to. It may lessen your anxiety knowing you decide any time you want to leave. Regarding the volleyball game, I can’t think of many people who would enjoy being looked on in their sport unless they’ve trained at it their whole lives. Good for you for speaking at the grad. Let your care and dedication to teaching and these youth be your reason for being there. It’s okay to feel nervous but it sounds like there’s a more powerful reason for you being there so let it shine. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
ShyViolet Posted December 10, 2022 Share Posted December 10, 2022 What are you doing to treat the anxiety and other issues? Therapy, medication, etc? That is my first question. I would imagine being a teacher you should have decent health insurance which hopefully also covers mental health care, and therapy. Link to post Share on other sites
NuevoYorko Posted December 10, 2022 Share Posted December 10, 2022 I'm sorry you're having such a tough time. There is help available - are you getting any of it? Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts