Living with Social Anxiety Disorder: The Silent Social Killer!

It's not easy when society constantly forces us to be social animals. We are forced to put a smile on our face in the midst of being hurt. We are forced to say kind words when others demean us. We are forced to be friendly to those who secretly wish us harm. It is challenging enough to be human in today’s world (giving the notion that most of us still haven’t figured it out) but on top of all things because we are human, we’re supposed to be the prime example of knowing how to communicate, compared to that of other species.

Social anxiety…what is it?

“To keep it simple,” Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia; is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by excessive fear, anxiety, discomfort, and self-consciousness in social settings. People suffering from this disorder may dread and avoid social situations due to these feelings. There are two types of social anxiety: general & specific. General social anxiety is when a person feels anxious in most social situations, which can often lead to feelings of awkwardness. Specific social anxiety is when someone is afraid of speaking in public or performing in front of others. Despite being common, many people do not fully understand social anxiety, which can lead to misconceptions and further isolate those who suffer from the condition.

Humans don’t communicate well

Human beings would like to think that we are the best at communicating with; social media, texting, talking on the phone, emails and video chatting. But the truth of the matter is as human beings we really don’t communicate well AT ALL! We have the tendency to “talk at each other and not to each other,” and the perfect example of this miscommunication is seen in government between all political parties. We misread social cues from our fellow man each and everyday. Most of these (misreading’s) are purposely demonstrated from those who have prejudices against others, and with lack of communication this adds fuel to an already burning fire. It is hard not to notice a connection between societal woes of communicating and those who suffer from severe social anxiety…So, why is there a connection? Well, it is because people who suffer from social anxiety disorder often have a negative disposition about social interactions, so when society perpetuates deplorable social interactions (i.e., Politicians and Fake News Propaganda) this only reconfirms their preconceived beliefs. Our many efforts to communicate are flawed.

Fear of rejection

We all fear rejection and sometimes it comes in different forms and from various quarters, making one feel cornered, misunderstood, and unaccepted. This can stem from personal relationships, workplaces, social circles, and even our spiritual and political beliefs. The fear of rejection is a deep-seated human fear, often leading to feelings of insecurity, inadequacy, and disappointment. One of the most profound forms of rejection comes from the fear of being a disappointment to others. This fear can be paralyzing, especially when we care deeply about the people around us. Humans are social creatures, and the fear of disappointing those close to us - our family, friends, or partners - can often overshadow our own desires and needs. Compromising one’s own happiness to ensure we don’t disappoint others, not realizing that in the process we might be rejecting ourselves.

The unforeseen impact

One of the most challenging aspects of social anxiety is the impact it has on making friends. Forming a bond with others is a fundamental human need. We crave companionship, understanding, and shared experiences. Social interactions - which come so naturally to many, can be an extreme source of stress for those with social anxiety. Every conversation, every gathering, every casual interaction can become a source of dread. The fear of being judged can make what should be a positive social interaction, quickly turn into an unpleasant experience. Yet for those with social anxiety, the basic need ‘to fit in’ can feel like an impossible task. The fear of rejection, of not being good enough, can make it incredibly difficult to reach out and form those vital connections.

It is what it is

Social anxiety for some, this phrase may not mean much. But for others, it encapsulates a daily struggle. A struggle that can be debilitating, affecting every aspect of their lives. In a world where we are constantly pushed to make formal connections, social anxiety can create a barrier that seems insurmountable. The pressure to be liked, to be a part of the group, can be overwhelming for those who suffer from this condition. “Keep in Mind” like so many mental disorders, social anxiety is manageable. Based on personal experience, if you take one day at a time, open up to one person at a time, and not view every stranger as an immediate threat to your sense of self (the anxiousness of socializing) becomes less and less.

'Reviews on TV Shows: Chucky (TV Series) Season 1 - Good, Bad, and Worth the Watch!'

How can a tv series be Good, but Awful at the same time? This review only pertains to Season 1. (original post: January 4, 2022)

Reviews on Tv Shows!

One of the best horror villains in tv history is back, ready to terrorize and kill people just for the hell of it. For Chucky it is a numbers game, how many lives he can take and how many ways he can do it. It is all fun and games for this pint-size terror! In the beginning of episode one, we see our protagonist Jake (an eccentric high school student) who encounters a Chucky doll at a local yard sale. Jake, being the inspired sculptor (who works on a life-size sculpture made of dolls) is intrigued by the Chucky doll and purchased it. The teen takes the doll home, and it is not long before the true nature of the doll is revealed. Chucky attempts to convince Jake to kill a ‘mean girl’ who has been bullying him at school. And thus begins a series of deadly and unfortunate events that follows thereafter…events that would depict how a Tv series can be Good, but Bad at the same time!

The Good: storyline 

The premise of the show is good. As usual Chucky is up to his murderous ways, with the ultimate plan to have an innocent teen commit murder so that his soul can awaken multiple Good Guy dolls all at once. The plan seems simple enough when Chucky is brought home by Jake Wheeler (Zackary Arthur), a teen who displays social awkwardness which makes him an easy target for bullies at school. One such bully is the loudest of all, fellow classmate and popular girl Lexy Cross played by (Alyvia Alan Lind). Chucky seizes his chance of opportunity in convincing Jake to kill Lexy. At first, Jake mentally prepares himself in conducting the evil plan, but the teen soon finds himself unable to do the deed and Chucky is more than happy to step in. But plans go awry at Lexy’s party after Chucky kills Oliver (Lexy's other love interest) besides her boyfriend Junior, and a fire soon breaks out. Lexy breaks away without harm, but the teen now knows that Chucky is the real killer. This revelation sets a path for the three musketeers (Lexy, Devon, and Jake) to work together and bring down the evil doll. 

The Good: tying everything together

What the show gets right is connecting previous Chucky movies and tying them into the storyline of the tv series. We see Chucky as a kid who witnessed the killing of his father when an intruder invades his home. Chucky hides in the bedroom closet with his mother and his true nature takes over. When the killer finds the two hiding in the closet, the killer is intrigued when he sees that the young boy has already did the deed for him, when the mother is found stabbed to death. We see Chucky grow into a disturbed young man whose murdering is escalated when he meets the equally disturbed Tiffany (Jennifer Tilly). Fast forward to present time and the audience is reintroduced to Nica (Fiona Dourif) the paraplegic who survived her encounter with Chucky in [Cult of Chucky, 2017]. We learned that Nica did not escape unscathed, when in fact Chucky had transferred a piece of his soul into hers, creating a split personality. Catching wind that Chucky is back in town when Jake attempts to sell the doll online, we are reintroduced to the two original cast members of the Chucky franchise, Andy (Alex Vincent) and Kyle (Christine Elise) both respectively appeared in [Child’s Play 2, 1990]. The brother and sister duo arrive in town to put an end to Chucky’s malicious intentions for the last time.

The Awful: serious bad acting

Our protagonist Jake (Zackary Arthur) acting abilities are questionable at best. Scenes in which his character is supposed to convey any type of deep emotion read as awkward and uncomfortable. The actor’s facial expression (shown in pic above) is the same expression seen throughout the entire season - no matter what the scene is or what emotion the character is experiencing. The awkward acting is heightened when both Devon and Jake share their first kiss, the uncomfortableness between the actors was like “Watching a drunk man vomit on the side of the curb in slow-motion.” You can argue that the lack of acting ability is due to the actors being young, but in TinselTown that’s not an excuse. There are young actors who are born with the talent of acting…"Can anyone say, Dakota Fanning!" And then, there are those who simply cannot. Adding to the ‘cannot act list’ is Andy played by (Alex Vincent). As the original child actor in [Child’s Play, 1988] the character of Andy was unforgettable and convincing. But, as an adult actor Alex Vincent is straight-faced, bland, and ineffectual. The actor seems like he is cold reading from cue cards instead of memorizing his lines and breathing life into his character. 

The Awful: certain things just did not make sense

During a flashback scene when Chucky was still human, as an adult we see him raising hell with his love slave Tiffany. What makes no sense is that a female actor is portraying adult Chucky. This actress possesses delicate features. If you remember the first Chucky movie [Child’s Play, 1988] the male actor playing Chucky was tall, scruffy, rugged with a sinister demeanor - this description would be more accurate giving the fact that Chucky is a deranged serial killer. There is nothing wrong with a woman playing the part of Chucky as an adult, but at the very least it should have been an actress with androgynous features. Something else that did not make sense was the ‘basement scene.’ We see Tiffany set up a bomb in the basement where Devon is being held captive. Andy comes to the rescue just in time to save Devon, but when Kyle shows up at the house, she inadvertently sets off the bomb by opening the front door. Spoiler Alert: Devon and Andy (both within the proximity of the bomb) somehow survive the blast. However, Kyle who was the farthest away from the bomb, died in the aftermath. “Is this scientifically possible?” 

Overall: the show is worth the watch

If anything, it is worth hearing Chucky’s famous one-liners! The iconic doll has become a staple in the horror genre, known for his witty and twisted remarks that add a layer of dark humor to the storyline. Chucky's one-liners are not only entertaining but also serve to establish his character as a cunning and malevolent force to be reckoned with. Moreover, the show excels in maintaining its unique dark sense of humor throughout, creating a chilling yet oddly amusing atmosphere that keeps viewers engaged. This distinct tone sets the show apart from conventional horror-inspired dramas, offering a refreshing and unconventional take on the genre. The performances of the cast members such as; Fiona Dourif and Jennifer Tilly further elevate the viewing experience. So, in conclusion the combination of Chucky's memorable one-liners, the film's unique dark humor, and the stellar performances of the cast members make it a must-watch for fans of the horror genre. With its blend of scares and laughs, this television adaptation promises an entertaining and unforgettable cinematic experience that will leave a lasting impression on audiences.

Dear Anxiety Disorder, you’re a pain in the Ass!

Imagine being pinned down to the floor with 50lbs weights on your chest. As you gasp for air you realize you cannot move…and what is worst the floor beneath you begins to crack, threatening to drop you on the ground below - not only are you having trouble breathing but you also have a fear of falling. You break out in a sweat and your hands are trembling, all the while you are not completely sure why any of it is happening. This is what it’s like to have a Panic Attack brought on by anxiety. For anyone who has experienced a panic attack the symptoms can mirror that of a heart attack, except for the fact it is a lot less deadly. “You feel like you are going to die, but you will not. This is your brain playing games with you. You decide what happens next. I have learned how to deep-breathe my way out of an attack” (quote by, author: Judson Brewer, MD, PhD, Unwinding Anxiety).

Because it’s easy to be negative!

Negativity has plagued my mind for many years because it is easier to think negative about a situation before considering a positive outcome. We all heard the old saying, “Don’t expect much from people, so when they do let you down, it won’t come as a surprise.” These words have deeply provoked my way of thinking ever since I could remember. Constant negative thinking is linked to causing stress - which can trigger an anxiety attack. I am not an expert on all things concerning anxiety disorders, but for someone who occasionally gets their ‘ass kicked’ by anxiety, I have experienced enough to know a lot about the subject without having to heavily depend on the research results of Google. Maintaining positive thinking is beneficial to a person’s mental health, which is quite frequently linked to the physical. Negative minded people get a bad rap for their pessimism, although negativity is often used as a defense mechanism to protect oneself from what they view as reality.

Impacting the social aspect

Anxiety has impacted life in such a way that every decision I make must pass the grueling process of starting out as just a thought, to rethink my thoughts, to over-analyze my thinking procedures. “You have trouble making decisions and often doubt the choices you do make” (by author: Nick Trenton, Stop Overthinking). This passage breathes truth to life. I could live for one hundred years, and even then, I will always doubt the choices I make. Anxiety determines choices, for example, the level of anxiety often dictates the type of people I would rather avoid. Throw me amidst a large crowd where others have different political views, social dispositions, and lifestyles that are not aligned with my core values, and I will shut down so fast as to instantly avoid my current surroundings. This is not done on purpose, instead it is the brain protecting itself from those who are viewed as potentially harmful to a fragile state of mind. If you suffer from anxiety, you know more than anything that your emotions become unpredictable, and when this happens it is best to separate yourself from those who display a negative opposition. In the grand scheme of things most people are not understanding at all, even if some have the capacity to show empathy, they are more likely to pretend they do not, just so they can ignore 'the signs' of you being self-conscious around them. Except for professionals who understand and study the human mind, the general public is not equipped to handle individuals who have mental and or social disorders.

It gets better… “hmm, maybe or maybe not”

In honestly, I would like to believe it gets better, that with anxiety disorder all you need is a good pep talk from a therapist, a mouth full of medication and a kiss goodnight. But I am a realist. I see things for what they are, not for what I wish they could be or should be. I believe that when you develop a disorder it just doesn't disappear in time, but instead it becomes more manageable over time. I always assumed that as I got older, eventually it gets better “But, I was wrong.” I find truth in the fact that as most of us get older we become more intolerable of others - and with an anxiety disorder this can be problematic (especially in a chaotic mixed environment). So, is it safe to say that with aging come the difficulties of handling stress? I do not know for sure, but aging itself is stressful enough. It does not take much to dial the ‘anxiety meter’ up to ten, considering life can be a hassle every day! From dealing with an obnoxious boss, to being belittled by a client or customer, to getting cut off in traffic, to the annoying neighbor next door, to the loss of income, to the relentlessness of creditors…life contributes to the overwhelming complexities of anxiety. When you suffer from prolonged anxiety, all you can ever hope for is that tomorrow will be better than today!