I’ve always looked forward to summer breaks as I was growing up because it was the time I could take a break from school. School work wasn’t the reason I needed a break. I also needed a break from social stress of attending school. I actually enjoyed the studying and school work because it was something I can focus and see my achievement, and it also reminded me that I had some kind of normal life despite my health issues or my face.
However, interacting with friends and meeting teachers were most stressful thing about the school. If my good friends from grade school read this post, they may be surprised that I had that much of stress as I was very outgoing and had many friends.
The summer breaks were so crucial for coping with the social anxiety I had with living with a special face. Those of us who are affected by facial disorders may understand this anxiety that I am addressing here. It usually starts with a simple greeting as we arrive at the school. Among many thoughts I had as I was meeting friends at school, the main theme of the thoughts was ‘please don’t let my classmates think that I am that weird girl with the face.’
Anticipating and trying to protect my feelings from comments I may receive regarding my face or actions created much stressful social life: Of course, the key to all this is to not show others that I am feeling hurt or upset because not many would understand or I’d have to explain myself yet again.
No matter how much my parents reminded that I don’t have to care about what others think of me, it wasn’t so easy when classmates have unpleasant nicknames for me. During the school year, there wasn’t enough time for my parents to talk about how I feel at school as everything was so busy. Summer breaks gave me sometime to relax, be with myself and truly give myself a little break from all the anxieties. The breaks also helped me having the room to talk about how I felt truly.
Summer is truly here for east coast area in U.S. Most part of the world, summer might be the best time for all of us to take time off from our work, travel, enjoy family time and relax. Our little ones with facial disorders may be able to use this summer time truly for themselves to relax and talk about their feelings with the parents without the stress of juggling school work and managing friendships.
What is your summer vacation plans for your little ones or yourself?
How about going through some photo albums and talk about how truly special your little ones are? Every good memories take us through those tough time when people challenge your identity by calling you with names or make rude comments. Good family time reminds us that we are truly loved no matter how we look.
Wish all of you very best summer! Looking forward to seeing all your vacation photos!
With Love,
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