I've worked at Target for close to 2 months. Whenever they need someone to come in, I always say yes. Well, today was my off day. I decided to go shopping with my friend and my sister at Target. I saw my supervisor there and she asked me if I could work today. I said no in a joking way because I thought she was joking about it. Then, I saw a girl that I've become friendly with over the past 2 months and she told me that there was only 4 people working that night (usually there's 8). She asked me if I could work and I said that I'd "probably come in". Well, my friend insisted that we should go get something to eat and then he'd take me to work. After we were done eating, my friend and my sister tried to persuade me to not go in because it's my off day and I "shouldn't have to work". My friend took me home but for literally an hour, my friend and my sister insisted that I shouldn't go in. I told them that I HAVE to go in. I know that even when there are only 6 people working, it's hard to zone the store (zoning means cleaning the store and organizing it so it looks good for the morning shift). Not only that but the girl I mentioned above was also working and I didn't want to let her down. I told my friend and my sister that if I didn't go into work today just so I could hang out with them, I would be extremely upset. My friend told me that he probably won't see me until December (because of college) and he made me feel really guilty for saying yes to my job and no to him. I told them that if we go to the Brooksville cemetary, then I'd go with them and only then (apparently it's extra scary there so I wanted to go). I didn't want to go driving around doing nothing. I called into work at 8:00 and told them that I wasn't coming in. Our plan was to go to a tattoo place so my friend could get his tattoo retouched and then we were going to go to the cemetary. After we were done with the tattoo thing, we went to the cemetary but it was locked. So not only did I waste my night, but my coworkers now have to work extra hard tonight to zone the store and they probably won't get out until midnight.

I feel so guilty right now that I didn't go into work. Words can't explain how I'm feeling right now. I have to face these people tomorrow and explain to them that I'm not a bitch and I WANTED to help them but I couldn't. Also, my friend is mad at me because I told him that I wanted to home since the cemetary was locked. I hate knowing that he's mad at me. This little story about what happened tonight brings me to the main point of this thread.

As some of you know, I have social anxiety disorder. While most people wouldn't give a crap about what happened tonight, I'm on the verge of tears because of my guilt. My parents know about my disorder. I haven't been formally diagnosed with it but my sister and friend are training to be a psychologist and they told me that s.a.d is exactly what I have. I really, really want to get help because I'm sick of feeling this way. My problem is that my parents won't take me to see a therapist or a doctor because they don't know how serious it is. I've told them plenty of times that I need to see a therapist but they don't seem to care. What should I do? Most people with my disorder eventually turn to alcohol to "help" them with their problem but I don't want to turn into one of those people. I need some advice. How can I get my parents to listen to me?

I'd be feeling just as guilty as you right now if it was me. I don't know if I have SAD but I get the guilt on like that all the time.

I would go in and apologize for not coming in and say that something personal came up. Ask how things went and if they need extra help over the next few days, make sure you're there if you can be. It'll help you deal with the guilt factor.

I don't know anything about SAD...in terms of getting help for it, do you have a doctor's appointment anytime soon? Like for a physical or something? Mention it to them, and they're sure to kick your parents into action. Or see if anyone you know knows a specialist who might be willing to talk to you for a free consultation.

I know my advice isn't too good...it's the best I can do, unfortunately. Hope I helped some. *hugs*

Your guilt is natural, in my opinion. It might be extreme or whatever but its natural.

Whenever I miss appointments, meetings, things i say i'd go to- i fail myself, the people who took my word for it, the people who counted on me-- and I risk never being counted on again.

Theres really little you can do to subside this guilt... its natural. Happens to me- i bet its happened to others. The best thing you can do is learn from it and dont let it happen again.

I am not sure of your SAD thing...im way too nervous to even mention the possibility of me having a problem to my parents. Id just burden them and/or b e one of those "teens going through a phase." I dont bother with it.

can you just go to the doctor , even if your parents dont want you too?? just tell them that you are scared of what might happen to you if you dont see a therapist, and if they dont listen...go by yourself to see a doctor and get him to refer you to a therapist

Well, if that was me I would be worrying frantically as well as feeling really guilty.

I'm sorry that happened, but I mean you DO need some time to just chill when you're not working and the shop should realise this. I'm sure they will understand, they probably don't think anything of it.

About the SAD, I think if your parents are determined for you not to see a therapist then maybe you could either go to the doctor yourself like somebody else said, or could you ring up a helpline or something? I know they're nothing like seeing a therapist but you could ask them what to do in terms of seeing one, and even talk to them about the disorder.

Good luck. <3