Swimming Season and Social Anxiety Disorder

[Chris95]

Hey, I have a bit of a dilemma. I'm 14 years old, and I already have quite a large amount of chest/stomach hair, as well as a lot of hair everywhere else on my body (including a little on my back). I'm also a tad overweight, and I have a lot of body acne. Thing is, our pool is almost ready to swim in, and as excited as I am to go swimming, I'm too self conscious about myself (I have Social Anxiety Disorder) to let my family see all those things wrong with me. I'm fairly certain, though, that they saw some chest/stomach/possibly a little back hair last summer during swim season, so shaving it off would be awkward. But I don't want them to see it again, that already was a big mistake taking my shirt off in the first place last year. What can I do? I usually do wear a shirt in the pool, but my mom always bugs me to take it off. I'm just at a loss for options here. Any help is very appreciated.

[CoolDude8]

I am the same way. Just accept it man. You can't help how hairy you are. My back is covered in hair, so I know how you feel. People will make jokes, but as long as you have fun it's fine.

[Syvelocin]

I don't even swim, my SAD has gotten so bad. I have no interent in going to the pool, not because of my lack of self-esteem, more because I refuse to be around too many people or I get dizzy and feel like I'm about to pass out (5 is pushing it for too many people). I'd wear the shirt and not care what my family says ;) That's what I do at the hotel pools (they're lovely since no one ever swims in them, always get them to just the family) Well, I'm a girl, but I still wear a pair of shorts and a t-shirt of my dad's :)

[beardedboy]

I am a very hairy guy too dude. my whole frone from head to toe is covered. My back is no different. I don't know how hurtful the people that go to the pool can be, but I say be proud of what you got. Frankly, hair is a sign of manhood, and most guys at the age of 15 can barely grow arm pit hair. I too am overweight, more than I am proud of (I am 235 lbs and supposed to be around 180 lbs), but no one is going to care, truly, and even if they do, that is their business, don't make it yours. If they are talking about you, then they are probably just jealous and wish they had some hair, it can be a turn on for many people ;) I hope you don't be hard on your self and just live for the moment and not worrying about what other people think, you are still young, so don't let people get you down.

[Magenta]

Don't worry, I always go swimming with either shorts or pants and a shirt. I've always had tons of acne and I too have SAnD. It's just something I live with. If you don't want to take off your shirt, don't.

I know what it's like to have more hair than average. I was born with a higher testosterone level than most girls and have a lot of issues with having to shave more often or in different places (mostly under and around my belly button). Instead, I just cover it. It's perfectly okay. :)

[Syvelocin]

Please do not bump old threads, this one is from a year ago :locked: