Ep 12. I Have Social Anxiety

I Have Social Anxiety is the twelfth episode of the fourteenth season of the popular documentary series True Life. The episode focuses on individuals who have been diagnosed with social anxiety disorder, a type of mental illness that causes individuals to experience excessive fear and anxiety in social situations. The disorder can be debilitating and can make it challenging for individuals to engage in even the most basic of activities, such as going to work or school, making new friends, or simply leaving the house.

Throughout the episode, viewers are introduced to three individuals who have been diagnosed with social anxiety disorder. The first person we meet is Emily, a 22-year-old college student who has struggled with social anxiety for as long as she can remember. Emily's anxiety is so severe that she often has panic attacks when faced with social situations, such as going to class or attending social events. Emily opens up about how her anxiety has impacted her life and how it has caused her to miss out on many of the experiences that are considered to be a normal part of the college experience.

The second person we meet is Jake, a 26-year-old who has been living with social anxiety for most of his life. Jake's anxiety is rooted in a traumatic incident that occurred when he was a child, which has caused him to feel unsafe in social situations. Jake is now a successful entrepreneur, but his anxiety often makes it challenging for him to attend important meetings or network with clients. Jake shares how he has managed to build a successful business despite his anxiety, but also opens up about the toll that his anxiety has taken on his mental health.

The final person we meet is Mariam, a 24-year-old who has been living with social anxiety since she was a teenager. Mariam's anxiety is so severe that she often avoids leaving her house altogether. She struggles with even the most basic of tasks, such as going to the grocery store or running errands. Mariam talks about how her anxiety has caused her to feel like a burden on her family and how it has prevented her from pursuing her dreams.

Throughout the episode, viewers get a glimpse into the lives of these individuals and the challenges that they face every day. They also get to see how social anxiety can impact different aspects of a person's life, such as their family relationships, career, and overall mental health. The episode also highlights some of the treatments and coping mechanisms that are available for individuals who are living with social anxiety disorder, including therapy, medication, and self-care strategies.

Overall, I Have Social Anxiety is a powerful and insightful episode of True Life that sheds light on a disorder that is often misunderstood and stigmatized. It provides a platform for individuals with social anxiety to share their experiences and raise awareness about the challenges they face. The episode is a must-watch for anyone who is interested in mental health or wants to learn more about social anxiety disorder.