What You Must Think of Me: A Firsthand Account of One Teenager's Experience with Social Anxiety Disorder (Adolescent Mental Health Initiative)

A few years ago I ended up dropping out of high school because I became so incredibly overwhelmed after a couple of years of medication and doctors appointments for what was thought to be just depression. Looking back, I remember how I couldn't eat breakfast because my anxiety unsettled my stomach too much. How I use to pretend I was sick rather often so I didn't have to face my teachers after not completing my homework and have my peers think I was stupid. I can still wonder around store too afraid to ask for help or dread making a phone call for hours before I actually do it. I didn't realize until much later my depression was caused by my anxiety.In this book, I think many young adults are given the few things they absolutely need--understanding and answers. The author bravely shares her difficult journey offering empathy and comfort which can be difficult to find in school and even at home. The small personal exercises and guidance towards the road to better living are very helpful.I would recommend this book to anyone who felt like they needed a better understanding of social anxiety (whether they are someone suffering from it or someone seeking to learn more,) its been helpful for me.

As someone whose life is shaped by the limitations of social phobia, I instantly connected with the author's story. Many of the thoughts and scenes she described, from her childhood before realizing she had SAD to the changed self she became, fit me to a "T." The author, when she wrote the book, is approximately the same age I am now, and it saddens me that I am not in the same place of recovery as she is while giving me hope that things can change for the better. Had this book been published when I was growing up, I think I would have felt comforted and maybe even compelled to seek treatment earlier and before I had missed out on so much of my youth.To the author, thank you for sharing your story.

This is a good read (albeit a quick one). My only complaint would be that I got bored towards the end, as the author repeated certain times and events too many times. The book could have been written with the same intent in less pages. Resources for seeking help are littered throughout (which I appreciated). Not bad overall.

This book is an interesting insight into the life experiences of one who suffered and continues to suffer from social anxiety. It would be helpful to give to someone who suffers from this kind of anxiety, particularly a female, to let her know that she is not the only one who has lived with this disorder. The writing style is easy to read and not at all clinical. However, the content of the book is not particularly specific about ways in which to help others who have this disorder.

Good book

I purchased this line of books to have relate able items for my students in counseling. I've enjoyed the books & felt they're easy to read for the younger audience. I will definitely purchase more in the future.

Insightful look into the mind of someone suffering from social anxiety. I found it useful for helping build empathy and understanding for those who suffer from this disorder. It was a very intriguing mix of personal story from the patient, and medical information from the doctor she was working with, and effectively made it two books in one.

If you are the parent of a socially anxious teen or going through this yourself, this book will help you understand yourself or your teen better.

I actully bought this book in error. I thought it was something else which may help me with my social sciences study.It opened my eyes to a new social ilness which is getting more common. The most impressive detail about my purchase is that when I was talking to a health professional about it and showed her the cover, she threw some money at me and I have not seen the book since, She says its the best sensible account of S.A.D that she has found to date. (SAD being Social Anxiety Disorder)It is worth the read to find out more about what teens are thinking about themselves which in turn should help us as parents and workers with younger people. I could go on for days but won't

As a sufferer myself, it was great to find an account of another individual who has experienced life with social anxiety disorder. I found I could relate to Emily's story; being able to draw many parallels with my own personal struggles. It was encouraging to see the positive steps she made in her journey which gave me a new found determination with my own CBT and medication treatments. I think this book would be a helpful read for anyone who is fighting to overcome their social anxiety. And also for their loved ones who would like to gain further insight into what it's like to live with the disorder.

This is a very well written book and I believe it would be of interest to anyone who wants to learn more about Social Anxiety. It is targeted more towards youths but as an adult I found it just as interesting.

I brought this book because my teenage son has Social Anxiety Disorder and it was really interesting to read the story from a teenagers perspective.

Brilliant read, even helped me with my own issues. i love this book and would recommend to anyone who loves a true story.