so there's this school trip everyone wants to gogo on that's coming up soon but it's going to a theme park and going camping with lots of things like high ropes and stuff and i really don't want to go cause i am really scared of heights and everyone's going to make fun on of me :( i don't know what to do cause my mum is letting me even though we have very little money but i don't want to waste it on a school trip i don't even want to go on. and if i don't go my friends with think i'm stupid and wimpy:( thanks in advance :)
Sam
Hi there,
Thank you for your letter.
School trips can be scary and this trip sounds like its really worrying you for a few different reasons. Youve mentioned being afraid of heights, feeling worried about your mum spending money on the trip and being nervous that your friends will make fun of you.
Having phobias of things like heights, spiders or the dark is really normal and something a lot of young people experience. When you add in the worry of being laughed at because of your fear then the situation can quickly become really scary. You might find it useful to read our page about coping with anxiety.
I am sensing that one of your main worries about the school trip is your friends making fun of you and thinking less of you if you dont go. It is wrong of anyone to make you feel this way and could be considered a type of bullying. You have the right to decide for yourself whether or not you want to go and you shouldn't feel scared of what might happen. Sometimes having a chat with a teacher or someone who has been on a similar trip before can be helpful as they may know a bit more about the types of activities and how much you have to get involved.
You also seem concerned about the cost of the school trip. A lot of young people write to me about money worries, especially because of the recession in the last few years. Sometimes adults dont know how much young people worry about money and you might think about having a chat with your mum about your concerns. We have some more information about money issues that might be helpful for you and your mum.
You might also like to think about talking to a ChildLine counsellors. You can do this by calling for free on 0800 1111, logging in for a 1-2-1 chat or sending an email.
Remember that you are not alone and ChildLine is here for you.
Take care
Sam
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