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I think I may have social anxiety, so I told my mom. She told me I was just shy and there's nothing wrong with me. She had to walk one of the dogs so she went outside and I broke down crying because I went to her for help and I didn't get it. I had to lie to her about why I was crying, saying I stubbed my toe on a door in the house. I'm scared, and sad. I feel alone. I'm in the dark under my blanket crying right now, too.

As someone who has social anxiety, I can tell you from personal experience, you're gonna be told all the time that you're just shy or want attention. Which isn't true. It's hard to deal with but I know if I told my stepmom she'd say the same thing. Unfortunately, that's just what morons think even when they have a book dangling in front of their face and refuse to read it.

But what I can help with is trying to become more engaged with social situations. Just know that if someone does judge you or make fun of you, they're just jerks who have nothing better to do than embarrass themselves. Cause that's all they're really doing, there's a certain age where making fun of someone is seen as immature and inappropriate. People aren't gonna like you if you make fun of others. It's common sense. So you're not being the one embarrassed, the ones attempting making fun of you are.

Another thing is that you don't have to come out of your shell all at once, you can take your time. Start by taking deep breaths before asking or announcing something. Then try to do other things step by step at your pace. It's helped me progress through my social anxiety a lot. If it doesn't work still, talk to another person who may have social anxiety you know and are comfortable sharing this information with.

That's all I have for now, SAYONARA!!!

-Alex LM