A personal journey of overcoming fear in social situations.
ight-year-old Riya struggled deeply with social anxiety that made everyday situations feel overwhelming. She avoided speaking in class, often freezing when teachers asked simple questions. Group activities or school events triggered intense fear, causing her to withdraw from peers. Her heartbeat would race, her palms would sweat, and she often felt sick before social situations. Even at home, she worried constantly about what others thought of her or if she would make mistakes. Birthday parties, playdates, or family gatherings became stressful events she tried to avoid.
Riya’s therapist developed a structured plan focused on easing her anxiety and building confidence.
Over the next several months, Riya showed remarkable emotional growth and resilience. She began answering questions in class with less hesitation and more confidence. Her participation in group activities slowly increased as she felt safer around peers. She learned how to manage racing thoughts and self-doubt using coping strategies. Her friendships improved as she initiated conversations and joined social games.
Her teachers noticed a positive shift in her confidence and overall mood. The physical symptoms of anxiety—sweating, shaking, stomach aches—reduced significantly. Riya became more expressive, sharing her feelings openly without fear of judgment.
