The struggle is real — the temptation to stay in the dorm room instead of going to eat lunch, the desire to skip bible study and study the Gospel alone to avoid possible embarrassment, the inclination to call a friend or family member whenever walking alone, to disperse the feelings of loneliness and uselessness. Social anxiety poses every-moment difficulties to those who have it, keeping them from thriving in their environments.

Not Easy to Deal With

Social Anxiety Disorder is a mental health condition that plagues about 15 million American adults, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. This disorder causes fear, lack of self-confidence and anxiety in social situations. From walking around a college campus to ordering from a restaurant, social interaction is terrifying.

I have had Social Anxiety Disorder since I was 13, although I did not actively seek help until my senior year. This disorder is not something that is particularly easy to deal with. It frustrates me that I am unable to make friends, have conversations and simply exist in social situations as skillfully as others.

Trapping Fear

However, social anxiety manifests differently for each who has it. My version of the disorder prohibits me from doing the things I want and sometimes need to do. There are times when I will decide not to leave my room to eat as to not embarrass myself in the Caf by saying something stupid or looking weird in front of others. My brain automatically convinces me of everyone’s immediate yet imaginary disapproval of me. My anxiety prohibits me from making new friends because of the constant fear of saying or doing something that will cause a person to utterly dislike me.

This trapping fear also, according to friends and family, can make me appear superficial, angry or even disgusted towards the people I pass by or interact with. With my head down and a concerned facial expression much of the time, I can understand how I may outwardly appear this way.

A Boulder on the Path

My anxiety disables me in all of these ways and more, yet God floods me with hope. It is extremely important to know that Social Anxiety Disorder does not define those who have it.

Social Anxiety Disorder is just that — a disorder, a boulder on the path of life. Just because it controls much of what I do, does not mean I will let it define who I am. We are children of the Mover of Mountains. Through prayer, hope and a desire to be helped, we can rid of this disabling disorder. We can be who God means us to be. As Philippians 4:13 says, “For I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”

Help is Worth it

I encourage those of you who have Social Anxiety Disorder to actively seek help. This disorder can be treated through resources including the Biola Counseling Center, close friends, professors and more. Reveal your struggles to a friend. Talk to a professor. Go to the Biola Counseling Center. Although I know from personal experience that it can be incredibly difficult to do so, I also know the help proves worthy after I began seeking help there. It is perfectly okay to need help. After all, the struggle is real, but so is the hope.