Social anxiety in teenagers

[Molly500]

My DD aged 14 has social anxiety which has got considerably worse over lockdown. She hasn't seen any of her school friends since March, although does speak to them on her phone . Most of her time is spent talking to her online gaming friends. I work full time but have made it my mission to take her out at least once a week. Yesterday we went into our local town which she protested about and was difficult the whole time. I noticed everytime someone of her age came near she would look down at her feet. She didnt know these people. I asked her and she said she dreads small talk and seeing people she knows. We have been to CAMHS before but they weren't much help. I am thinking of getting her some private CBT sessions. Hav any of you found anything that helps.

My daughter is the same age and exactly the same (although without the online gaming). I'm so worried about her. She gets so worked up at the most minor things like buying something in a shop. She hides if she sees someone she knows because she is scared they will try to talk to her.

I have no wise advice but my youngest DD is 14 this week and she is exactly the same. She is asking for anti anxiety meds and has researched this and given me a list!! She feels physically sick before meeting up with any friend and only really had one bestie who is pretty toxic which does not help. I wanted her to talk to a GP about it but it had to be over phone and she found the whole process excruciating to the point of never wanting to discuss it with anyone ever again. GP suggested she talk to school mental health support so I will write to them for start of term. Trying to plan birthday for this week and there is nothing she wants to do, just stay in her room!!

Sorry to hear this but also glad we are not alone. I dont remember being like this when I was 14 , but maybe it is not that unusual. I just want my carefree girl back.

My dd is like this, if we're out walking and chatting, she will go silent and awkward if we pass by any other young people. Even if she doesn't know them! As soon as we pass them, I'll be berated for whatever grotesquely embarrassing thing i was saying as we walked past them.

She also has to go and lie down in her room after school. She describes the experience as making her feel wiped out.

@Molly500 how’s your Dd now?

DS 17 is similar & struggles with his peers.

This sounds like my dd. I now have strong suspicions that she may have high functioning asd as the main symptom in girls is anxiety and particularly social anxiety; it might be worth looking into.

Yip my 17 year old DD has come out of Lockdown like this. She wont do Counselling on a video call so I can forget that.
I've bought a CBT book or 2 for myself and a CBTWorkbook for teenagers with Social Anxiety and we"ll work through this.
She's off to Uni after Summer and I'm desperate to help her.

@OldWivesTale I am thinking the same about my 14 year old. She just can't talk when she's anxious, her communication skills are so poor. I've only just started wondering after reflecting on her anxiety recently.