2026 – Joseph Griffin – Davis High HS

Overcoming Social Anxiety

Social anxiety has been a challenge for me throughout my life. I tend to overthink social situations before and after they happen and worry about what I might do or say. Sometimes I have felt physically ill when thinking about upcoming social situations. At times, this has prevented me from interacting with friends in social situations. For example, last year I was invited to go to a corn maze with friends, but my anxiety kept me from going. My friends were disappointed, and I was disappointed in myself.

Since last year I have begun therapy to overcome my social anxiety. Therapy has taught me to reduce my anxiety by getting enough sleep, spending time outside, daily exercise, and planning something I can look forward to. I have combined these coping strategies with medication and have seen improvement in my self-esteem and confidence in social situations, classroom settings, and with friends. 

Finding a community of friends has helped me to grow socially. For a recent school dance, I planned the activities my group of four couples would participate in both before and after the dance. I chose to take a leadership role because everyone else was indecisive. It was stressful for me to take a leadership role, but it was worth it build to closer friendships.

Developing discipline to attend social events wasn’t easy and I had to force myself to go to gatherings. Once I realized that I didn’t have to please everyone, I have been able to develop lasting relationships. I still have challenges with friends, but I try to improve each day. Halloween is coming up, and I have already made plans to push through my anxiety and go to the corn maze with my friends.