So what’s it really like for us ButterGuys?

How do we get ourselves to school everyday?

How do we hide those butterflies?

Today we caught up with a fellow ButterGuy Jimmy* about his experience with social anxiety at school. Jimmy is 14, in Year 9, and attends St Joseph’s College (JOEYS).

“I’m a massive overthinker”

What’s class like for you Jimmy?

“I think I’m known as the shy kid in class. I sit up the back most of the time so I don’t really have to talk to many people which usually works. It’s not that I don’t try to participate or engage but pretty much every time I go to say something or volunteer I get myself into such a panic that I can’t do it any more. I’m a massive overthinker.”

What about PDHPE?

“It’s usually running around so I actually really like it. You’re not put on the spot and we usually do team activities. Joey’s is a massive rugby school so we play quite a bit of that.”

Do you have some health classes too?

“Yeah, not as much as sport stuff though. We do all the body systems, learn about nutrition and health.”

Do you learn much about mental health?

“We’ve done a few classes on it but it’s more focused on depression & suicide.”

Have you ever discussed social anxiety?

“Not that I can remember.”

“I was feeling anxious everyday and couldn’t explain it.”

How did you learn about social anxiety?

“Well I’ve lived it. I started getting really anxious and nervous in year 7 and mum thought it was just nerves going into highschool but then it started to really get me down. I was feeling anxious everyday and couldn’t explain it. I was much better at home but eventually mum thought I should talk to my GP. I went on to see a pyschologist and, yeah, she pretty much thought I had social anxiety.”

Do you still see her?

“Every now and then, I did a lot in year 7 and gradually less and less. She gave me some good coping skills and I’m better able to deal with some symptoms now.”

What kind of coping skills?

“I do a lot of online CBT (Cognitive behavioural therapy) stuff which is all about re-adjusting your head space but I also do some exposure therapy with other kids. I’ve also really liked exercise. It helps clear my head so I actually love PE.”

“Some teachers (know) but others just think I’m being lazy or shy”

Do any of your mates or teachers know you have social anxiety?

“My close mates do and they’re really supportive. They can usually tell when I’m struggling and help me get my mind off it. Some teachers do I think, but others just think I’m being lazy or shy. I’ve got a really good English teacher who I’ve spoken to about it and he’s really accommodating.”

Chatting to a mate can help support someone going through a tough time, help them open up and even save lives.

Check with your mates today.

There are so many places to get help – check out:

Headspace http://headspace.org.au/

Beyond Blue Youth https://www.youthbeyondblue.com/

Black Dog Institute http://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/public/depression/inpregnancypostnatal/anxiety.cfm

Reach Out http://au.reachout.com/all-about-feeling-anxious

It’s always ok not to be ok.

Cheers,

ButterGuys