Do people really think I'm retarded or something?

[ZzKingz]

First off, this post may not belong here. It's kind of an anxiety issue rather than a depression issue. I don't know

If you've read my other posts on this forum you've probably inferred that I am very quiet and I have confidence issues that keep me from expressing myself. But quiet doesn't describe my social habits very accurately, however. I love talking to people. I've become dependent on my friends' support, which I guess is normal for a sophomore. I'm kind of extroverted I'm that sense. However whenever I am in a negative mood I am very quiet and in confident about talking to even my best friends. Like anything I say will just be an awkward failure. I hate that. I still have a number of good friends and I can easily talk to people when I'm motivated.

Now that I've gotten my social background out of the way, now for the problem. Today I'm algebra since we have been learning about quadratics we went outside and did stomp rockets. The teacher made everyone go. Rockets were launched everywhere from 50 to 250 feet into the air. When I was called up everyone sort of watched politely and encouragingly (which makes me very nervous), and when I launched it about 150 feet in the air people were like, that was pretty good. Good job, Austin! They didn't do this for anyone else. This is how people treat disabled people at my school. Kind and gently.

I thought people were past this since I've emerged socially last year. What's the deal? Do people really think I'm retarded?? What does it take to change this?? I get that I'm quiet and everything, but why on earth would people still think this about me? It's like they're trying to be nice to the special kid because they feel bad for me. This goes back to seventh grade when my mom put me in special education for emotional disability or whatever (I was 12 and hormonal, and I'm not special ed anymore because I no longer qualify, thank god). Ever since then I've just been one of the challenged kids who have something wrong with them.

What does it take?! This is stupid.

[Amaryllis]

First, you have to understand their intentions. They don't do this because they think you're retarded. They're trying to encourage you and urge you on. It has to do with how you see things. You could look at it as: Oh, people are so kind to me and they care.

Or you can look at it as you do now. Which would be the better option?

Quite often, when someone is kind, we think "Oh, they're doing this because they want something" or "they feel sorry for me". However, the truth is usually the exact opposite. They're just trying to help out and be nice. When I had my eating disorders, -no one- spoke to me. It was terrible. I was alone and I had no one to support me.

Think of it as, you're special. They treat you this way because you're special. That's almost always a good thing! If they didn't and instead treated you like everyone else, I bet you would be saying "Nobody cares, supports or tries to help me." Perhaps, they aren't even treating you any different and this is just in your head. Or maybe you shot that rocket really high!

No one's saying you're retarded. If you view the world through shades, it will always be dark.

Love,
Faith and Trust

[Shenron]

First, you have to understand their intentions. They don't do this because they think you're retarded. They're trying to encourage you and urge you on. It has to do with how you see things. You could look at it as: Oh, people are so kind to me and they care.

Or you can look at it as you do now. Which would be the better option?

Quite often, when someone is kind, we think "Oh, they're doing this because they want something" or "they feel sorry for me". However, the truth is usually the exact opposite. They're just trying to help out and be nice. When I had my eating disorders, -no one- spoke to me. It was terrible. I was alone and I had no one to support me.

Think of it as, you're special. They treat you this way because you're special. That's almost always a good thing! If they didn't and instead treated you like everyone else, I bet you would be saying "Nobody cares, supports or tries to help me." Perhaps, they aren't even treating you any different and this is just in your head. Or maybe you shot that rocket really high!

No one's saying you're retarded. If you view the world through shades, it will always be dark.

Love,
Faith and Trust

Exactly, they have good intentions but they may come off as snobby. Try o understand it from their point of view. I think they have good hearts, but lack tact.