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Bridging the Gap: A Simulation of Social Anxiety


In the second unit of our Disease course, we focused on mental disorders, particularly autism, and its varying effects on individuals. We utilized the book The Reason I Jump, which provided valuable insights into the daily experiences of those with autism, fostering empathy toward them. My exploration into social anxiety led me to understand the brain's electrical signals, or brainwaves, and how an overactive amygdala can heighten fear responses in social situations.

We examined the DSM-V, the manual for mental health conditions, and selected a disorder to study in depth. I chose Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) and discovered that many people struggle with anxiety. Our project involved conducting interviews and creating a simulation to help others comprehend the challenges faced by those with SAD.


Simulation: Anxiety Presentation Challenge

The "Anxiety Presentation Challenge" is a classroom activity where students present on topics discussed in groups. The class is divided into two groups, with one unaware of the topic the other will present. Upon returning, the uninformed group receives instructions to present while the other group listens. They engage in activities like public speaking, using a microphone, and responding to difficult questions. The observing group prepares questions and provides feedback after each presentation, encouraging reflection on handling anxiety and communication.

This engaging simulation allows participants to experience both the presenter and observer roles, enhancing their understanding of social anxiety disorder and presentation anxiety.

In conclusion, I found this action project rewarding as it deepened my understanding of SAD. Although I am not medically diagnosed, I suspect I experience similar feelings. This unit highlighted how anxiety affects daily life and emphasized the value of simulations in understanding mental disorders.

Sincerely,

LG


Work cited: 


Anxiety and Depression Association of America. "Social Anxiety Disorder." adaa.org/social-anxiety-disorder. Accessed 23 Feb. 2023.


Mayo Clinic. "Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia)." mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/social-anxiety-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20353561. Accessed 23 Feb. 2023.

National Alliance on Mental Illness. "Social Anxiety Disorder." nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Social-Anxiety-Disorder. Accessed 23 Feb. 2023.

National Institute of Mental Health. "Social Anxiety Disorder." nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/social-anxiety-disorder-social-phobia/index.shtml. Accessed 23 Feb. 2023.

Psychology Today. "Social Anxiety." psychologytoday.com/us/basics/social-anxiety. Accessed 23 Feb. 2023.

Social Anxiety Institute. "Understanding Social Anxiety." socialanxietyinstitute.org/social-anxiety. Accessed 23 Feb. 2023.

Verywell Mind. "What Is Social Anxiety Disorder?" verywellmind.com/social-anxiety-disorder-4157243. Accessed 23 Feb. 2023.

WebMD. "Social Anxiety Disorder." webmd.com/anxiety-panic/guide/mental-health-social-anxiety-disorder. Accessed 23 Feb. 2023.

World Health Organization. "Social Anxiety Disorder." who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/social-anxiety-disorder. Accessed 23 Feb. 2023.

Yale Medicine. "Social Anxiety Disorder." yalemedicine.org/conditions/social-anxiety-disorder. Accessed 23 Feb. 2023.

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