What You Must Think of Me: A Firsthand Account of One Teenager's Experience with Social Anxiety Disorder

by Emily Ford, Linda Wasmer Andrews, Michael Liebowitz

We've all felt occasional pangs of shyness and self-consciousness, but for the 15 million Americans with social anxiety disorder, the fear of being scrutinized and criticized can reach disabling proportions. Such was the case for Emily Ford, who shares her firsthand experiences in these pages. Emily's true story of fear, struggle, and ultimate triumph is sure to resonate with other socially anxious teenagers and young adults.
Emily's frank, often witty, sometimes poignant account of how she negotiated all the obstacles of social anxiety--and eventually overcame them with the help of therapy and hard work--makes for compelling reading. Yet this book is more than just a memoir. Emily's story is coupled with the latest medical and scientific information about the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and self-management of social anxiety disorder (or SAD). Readers will find a wealth of solid advice and genuine inspiration here. In engaging, accessible language--and with the help of psychiatrist Michael Liebowitz--she discusses what is known and not known about social anxiety disorder in adolescents. She outlines the various psychotherapies available for those with SAD and explains how to seek professional help, how to talk to family and friends about the illness, and how to handle difficult social situations. The result is both an absorbing story and a useful guide that will help to ease the isolation caused by SAD,
encouraging young people to believe that, with commitment and hard work, they can overcome this illness.
Part of the Adolescent Mental Health Initiative series of books written specifically for teens and young adults, What You Must Think of Me will also be a valuable resource for friends and family of those with SAD. It offers much-needed hope to young people, helping them to overcome this illness and lead healthy, productive lives.

Genres: Nonfiction, Psychology, Mental Health, Self Help, Memoir, Mental Illness, Biography Memoir

176 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Emily^Ford = main list (this author)
Emily^^Ford = Young Adult
Emily^^^Ford = Thriller, Horror, Paranormal

Reviews

[Colleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a somewhat interesting read. I deal with this disorder myself so it was nice to read someone's firsthand experience with it, though I couldn't relate to everything, it did help me to feel a little less alone, which is always a good thing.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I give this book 2.5 stars. It's an easy read that could be quite helpful to an adolescent searching for reasons to their extreme "shyness". I've lived with this disorder for most of my life and relate to her suffering. At times I felt like I was writing the book. The story and language could be more revealing and colorful, but overall it is a manual of sorts for those that feel they are suffering alone. Social anxiety is a disorder that strips away one's spirit until they are forced to retreat into a cave where they only hear their voice. It's a lonely existence. This book has inspired me to write my story.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5

"People who would never criticize someone for having asthma or diabetes can sometimes be surprisingly insensitive where social anxiety disorder is concerned." -Emily Ford

Excellent resource for anyone with anxiety disorder - although it does slant toward the teen angle in the beginning the book overall has information, advice for those in the high school, college-level, professional-level, and patient. It makes you feel inspired for yourself, for your friends, and/or your loved ones who are living with something so few understand... But not for long if Emily Ford has anything to say about it!

She begins the book going back to her old high school to see what her classmates, teachers thought about her way back when and present-day really pumping up what this experience will be in the book's forward but besides a few quotes and paragraphs we never get a clear idea as to how that visit really went down. Maybe it was me as a reader. I wanted more from that. I wanted to see the high school. Visualize a bit more. It could have been a sparkling part of the book really. The way she presented it was a bit choppy, unclear for my liking, it could have been a really great opening piece to the book w/ additional writing, details about the day/days and how it went. Rightnow, it was interesting but not was powerful as it could be. I was really looking forward to that part and it disappointed me somewhat.

I am amazed at how much the author does tell the readers about her life thus far. She truly bares her soul in many places. That is why I wanted to give her such a high rating. It takes guts to put your life on the page. Your deepest thoughts? Bravo. It is not easy to tell that much about your life in such detail and she did it. That is a courageous act. She is so forthcoming. As a writer myself, I was stunned by some of the details. It really wowed me. She has a great resource guide at the end of her book.

Overall, it was an extremely enlightening book, a quick read with a lot of information for anyone with a family member w/ a social anxiety (teens & up). I would recommend it - given how it is written - to the general public as an informative book on the subject. It is well-written, has plenty of good quality information that can help patients, families, friends, etc. alike. One big takeaway:

** "I had to learn that satisfaction with myself came from within."

[Carly Trask-Kuchta · Rating 2 out of 5]

this was a super easy read and a really easy introduction to social anxiety disorder. it was obvious that the author was a new writer and that she collaborated with doctors on tie "medical" portion. I was frustrated with the eager-to-diagnosis and eager-to-provide-symptoms themes in the book. the way she described some of the symptoms made it seem like anyone could have SAD at some point. which is upsetting because it's a book geared toward adolescents, who are eager to self-diagnose. also, some of the more.neuropsychological and biochemical parts glazed over debates and veered toward the medicalization side, hence the other theme of pro-medication. it was a relatively frustrating book overall; definitely to be coupled with or axed for a book with more depth and substance.

[Viva · Rating 5 out of 5]

I reccomend this book to anyone who suffers from social anxiety. Reading Emily's story was like reading my own story. The title states that this is "one teenager's experience with social anxiety" but the actual book is the story of Emily from the beginning of her social anxiety that started in childhood and chronicles her journey up until the age of 27, when she wrote the book. It has good tips, and like Emily says, it's an attempt to offer a perspective on social anxiety that most websites and books don't talk about (the personal aspect of social anxiety, as opposed to the clinical aspect). This book made me feel more hopeful, more brave, and less alone. I relate to Emily as she was at the time of writing the book at 27 and I wish I had this book when I was a teenager. Great book!

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy read. Read it in a day. It was a comforting read to know a woman at my age had researched her social anxiety by going back to high school to find out thoughts from fellow students and teachers about what they had thought about her. If they really thought bad things about her as she was distant from most people due to the disorder.

I now feel that I have generalized anxiety disorder rather than social anxiety disorder. There is a clarification in this book that I will now have to clear up with a doctor.

Great book for tweens-teens-young adults who are overly shy and anxious. Filled with great information about getting help and that there is a cure for any anxious feelings.

[Caitlyn Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book was literally like reading my life. I always see people saying that this stuff is made up for attention and that people like this just need to grow up. But this is real. This is my life and it sucks. Emily's story was so inspiring for me because she got her life back. I am SO glad I read this book.

I think everyone should read this. If you have Social Anxiety or if you know someone who has Social Anxiety please read this book and LEARN. Don't tell people they are making it up and don't tell them to get over it because that's not how it works.

[Lisa Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone suffering from social anxiety, I loved this book. It was so relateable that I sort of felt like I was reading my life, which to be honest was a bit triggering at times. It brought up a lot of things that I try not to think about and I kind of had to pace myself to avoid panic attacks, but I still thoroughly enjoyed it. I liked how it sort of combined a biography with the actual science behind social anxiety, it made it seem less in my head and a bit more justified. I would highly recommend this book to anyone with or trying to understand anxiety.

[Terry · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Giving myself credit when credit was due was one of my proudest achievements."

This book was really important, but I sort of read it after the fact. After I learned how to reroute and reason through the illogical, panicked thoughts (CBT for the win!). The above quote is one of the biggest/best things I learned about dealing with social anxiety. Celebrate the achievements, no matter how small.

[Loops · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a good read overall. It reminds me of a lot of experiences I’ve gone through and made me feel not alone or crazy. While I don’t relate completely to the extreme the author went to there was certain parts of the book that I related to and her advice and tips still help and can be applied to my life. I think this is a good book for other people who have experienced or still experience any form of social anxiety. 👌🏻

[Hasan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved reading this book, if only as a confirmation of the idea that I might be suffering from Social Anxiety Disorder. The book itself is very short and I didn't have to look up complicated ideas or words. I am still debating on how to tackle this problem and cognitive behavioral therapy seems like a good place to start.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really quick read. It was helpful reading about a person who suffered and overcame anxiety. Very helpful and resourceful book. I''m glad I came across it. Learned a lot about Social Anxiety Disorder and Anxiety in general from this book.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent read on social anxiety disorder. The author bravely and openly described her fears in a way no doctor could. It was a first hand experience of a person knowing they need help but having anxiety made it near impossible to ask for it.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good intro to Social Anxiety Disorder if the reader knows absolutely nothing about it.

[Eldon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kinda makes me feel like the little boy who wanted to smash the mirror because it showed him his face was dirty. Oh well, at least things are working our for the author.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

By sharing her experience, it gave me a better idea of what someone with this disorder is going through, gave me the opportunity to get inside her head. Easy read, insightful.

[Christina Lucci · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought that this book was very interesting. It was very detailed about the disorder and for anyone interested in psychology, I recommend that they read it.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would have liked more of her own story rather than explaining about the disorder and ways to get help.

[Addy Paggao · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book is very informal and I like this book very much. It goes to show that anything is possible.

[Melissa Eckloff · Rating 5 out of 5]

A remarkably personal account of social anxiety disorder that is balanced with good science.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"There's no reason why social anxiety disorder has to hold you back."

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eye-opening. Raw. Painful. Helpful overview of resources and healing process. Planning to read other books in series. Recommended read for educators at secondary and higher ed levels.

[Kylie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice, entry level review of anxiety disorders. Good refresher for mental health professionals.

[Marissa Comeau · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic book! I have anxiety and she does such a great job explaining it all!

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly touching story & a must-read for all who want to educate themselves on anxiety & mental health! The book felt so personal, I really enjoyed how the life/personal stories tied in with ease to the factual/tips bits in the book. One part that stood out for me specifically would be the exposure therapy assignments that Dr. Q. gave Emily in treatment - I really found the concept interesting & worth checking out. Overall, this book is a must read & IMPORTANT.

[Chloe · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars.

This book was one of quite a few my mother bought for me when I was in seventh or eighth grade to help me with the social anxiety that was overwhelming me. Some of them helped me a ton, but I have almost no recollection of this one (the only thing I remember is the cover)--it seems not to have made an impression of me and likely not much of a difference on my life.

[Kelsey Weston · Rating 4 out of 5]

This memoir helped me realize some of my symptoms and put others into perspective. As a psychology major, I help people cope with their mental health issues, but have a tendency to disregard my own. I found new methods to try in my personal and professional life that may help me and my clients.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grade 9

[Alyssa Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was required to read this for one of my grad courses, so naturally, I had to include it in my monthly reads (I believe it counts towards my overall reading goal). I was surprisingly pleased with this book, as it gives both anecdotal and scientific information on social anxiety and topics surrounding mental health. I really related to the author's mental health journey at times and enjoyed the raw discussion on how untreated mental illness leads to other disorders, addictions, and suicidality. My rating of this book is only low because the moment I am told I HAVE to read a book (i.e. every book I was supposed to read in high school classes) I lose all motivation and liking of said book!