This post is from me, because I think this is important.
Are we brave?
Social Anx (@social_anx) ran a pole on Twitter, asking social anxiety sufferers whether they think they’re brave.
Only 14% consider themselves brave.
That means 86% of those who took part are wrong, in my view, unless any of those are constantly locked up in a room and never see a soul. I think anyone who defies social anxiety enough to venture out, to do things outside their comfort zone, to face potential derision, disdain, misunderstanding, rejection – is a brave person.
The fact that 86% of responders do not see themselves as brave is due to low self-esteem, a symptom of social anxiety. They are brave and need to recognise that. If they don’t recognise their bravery, no one else will.
And that’s unfortunate.
Stop press! This quote from @SocialAnxiety88 says it all:
You are not weak. People like us, we’re brave. We’re the ones who get up and face our worst fears every day. We keep fighting.
Miriam Drori, Author 