Hannah's Story:

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Hi, my name is Hannah Kara (@hkara123), I’m 22, currently training to be a teacher and have social anxiety.

Social anxiety has changed my life, things that I could normally do, I now sometimes have trouble with. I remember when I first started having this issue, I would avoid school assemblies, going out with friends, spending my savings on taxis rather than using public transport because of the fear of having a panic attack and being judged. Now, it’s no way near bad (I got through uni) and I have pushed myself a lot out of my comfort zone to get there.

I’ve had some great opportunities in the past where I’ve got to speak or write about my experience: ITV News, BBC Radio (Asian Network and Radio 4), Mind, Huffington Post, speaking to school and college students, and speaking to members in the NHS. They were some of the most nerve wrecking things I’ve done, but now I see them as achievements or accomplishments.

My message to people reading this, is that you’re not alone, don’t suffer in silence because it’s the worst thing you could do to yourself (speaking from experience). Speak to somebody- family member, friend, colleague, teacher, GP, or even online, where there are now plenty of websites where one can speak anonymously.

Now, I’m in a much better place and do get my good days and bad, but who doesn’t? I couldn’t have got better without the support of family and friends who helped me in situations where I felt so much fear. It’s an ongoing battle but I always try to push myself so I can conquer the fear.

Stay Strong and have belief that you can get through the tough times