Being Black and Having Social Anxiety | Dr. Tynessa Franks

[@DrTynessaFranks]

How does your identity affect your experience of social anxiety? I want to hear about it!

[@ohums39]

I’m a Black female. I’m now 32, and realized that for years I avoid large groups of other black people in fear that I will be judged. I was always labeled “Oreo, burnt toast, African so and so” by other black people. I feel these interactions at such a young age caused severe social anxiety. Im working on overcoming it

[@DrTynessaFranks]

This kind of story makes me angry to hear. Those early interactions that some people think are innocent and simply a natural part of childhood can leave harmful emotional scars that last for years. I'm glad to hear that you're working on overcoming it, and very grateful that my video was validating. Thank you so much for sharing your experience.

[@KanikaNewsome-pj6jb]

Yes but don't get it wrong whote people judge the hell put of ya too if not more.

[@ymotechnopopfan]

4:18 that's right. It's more than what the eyes see.

[@christopherdameron7773]

I wish we had more treatment options for this type of social anxiety. I feel like it’s so hard to get out of being even if I feel better being around people, I’m still stared at because I’m a person of color. I’m tired of being singled out while dealing with extreme social anxiety. 😢

[@DrTynessaFranks]

Yes, I understand what you're saying, Christopher. In my experience, the best treatment option is to find a therapist who can effectively treat social anxiety AND be sensitive to a client's cultural experiences related to their race, gender, etc....basically a therapist who has a high level of multicultural competence AND good social anxiety treatment skills.

[@JWNS08]

Yes! Social anxiety has been the story of my life for about 25 years. It has been such a struggle. I’m 37 now and I have definitely made some improvements since my teens and twenties. I know I will never be an extremely outgoing person, but I can put myself out there and live my life more confidently and freely.

[@DrTynessaFranks]

So, so glad to hear that you've made improvements! And, you mention living more freely. I feel like that's the best consequence of improving social anxiety - more freedom.
I appreciate you watching and thanks so much for your comment!

[@seekerowl3260]

Growing up I was told I acted/talked white all the time, or that I was fake black, amongst other things.

[@DrTynessaFranks]

Oh yes, this is very common and unfortunate.
I hope you feel like you're in a better place now. Thank you for watching and being willing to share your feedback.

[@ohums39]

This makes me feel validated. I appreciate this video

[@christopherdameron7773]

I wanted to follow up on that comment, but as a mixed race (Black& White) male part of the lgbtq 🏳️‍🌈 community, I feel as if I don’t belong anywhere which heightens my anxiety and hyper vigilance when out in public.

[@DrTynessaFranks]

Hi, Christopher. This is definitely understandable. Being a person who contains multiple marginalized identities can have its challenges, and people of mixed race often talk about the difficulties of feeling like they don't feel fully "at home" in groups of people who identify with one specific race. I'm glad you shared this as I know others will be able to relate.

[@charliemoorejr.]

I am happy that RUclips just suggested me to your awesome channel and look forward to watching your videos !😀👍🏾 Thank you for all that you do😀👏🏾! Sept 2, 2023 4:12PM

[@DrTynessaFranks]

Ahhh, thank you so much! Love the feedback.

[@kanikanewsome6305]

❤