[Teacup381]

I'm really anxious about starting school again. I'm going back to get some more high school credits and to redo some old classes to improve my average. I haven't been in a school setting for over two years. My anxiety has gotten a lot worse since then and I'm hoping I can get through it. It's going to be hard to go everyday and see the same people and be constantly paranoid of them teasing me or thinking I'm weird and stupid. The thought of being stuck in a room full of people makes me feel really bad and I'm absolutely terrified.

[striking]

Hugs. Talk with your school counselor and get assigned seating that suits your comfort zone. For me that would be back to a wall where I can see most everyone. The more people I can see the less I have to be paranoid about but I have to remind myself to look at people to to realize they aren't even looking at me.

Proud of you for having the courage to improve yourself despite your fears. Its pretty awesome.

[BLUEDOVE]

Here's some easy protection: Someone says something insulting,or anything you don't like,you
answer in the line of probabilities thus: "That's a
weird hairdo you got", you reply: "Yeah,you COULD be right", or "Yeah,your PROBABLY
right enough." Of course,YOU are the final arbiter
of what's right or not. This is a technique from an
assertiveness point,it's called FOGGING, for as you
know,you can throw a brick or kick the fog,and it
won't hurt it in the least. Practice at home if you
have a tape or digital thingy,make up your own
comments to answer to. Good luck!

[meganb22]

High school was difficult for me too. After the first semester in high school I dropped out and tried an online accredited high school and got my diploma that way. When I was going to high school I was anxious as well and the only thing that made me feel better was knowing that it was only for 7-8 hrs and then I could go home. I would look at the clock and tell myself "only a few hours left!" High school is really hard when you have anxiety. Maybe try to find some techniques to calm yourself down or talk to a therapist? Is homeschooling an option for you? It isn't right for everyone, but it worked well for me. Although there wasn't much social interaction and for outgoing people it can be lonely and hard. Try and look into what your options are and find some self-soothing techniques.

Good luck!

[Teacup381]

Originally Posted by meganb22

High school was difficult for me too. After the first semester in high school I dropped out and tried an online accredited high school and got my diploma that way. When I was going to high school I was anxious as well and the only thing that made me feel better was knowing that it was only for 7-8 hrs and then I could go home. I would look at the clock and tell myself "only a few hours left!" High school is really hard when you have anxiety. Maybe try to find some techniques to calm yourself down or talk to a therapist? Is homeschooling an option for you? It isn't right for everyone, but it worked well for me. Although there wasn't much social interaction and for outgoing people it can be lonely and hard. Try and look into what your options are and find some self-soothing techniques.

Good luck!

I'm hoping to hear back from a place on Monday. It seems like there are really long waiting lists for the therapy covered by the province. One program I called had 18 months waiting period. Homeschooling isn't an option unfortunately. Nothing is offered online so I'll have to go to the school. Thanks a lot. I would count down a lot as well in highschool the first time i went.