How can I overcome this phobia. In retrospect, I've been like this since my teenage years. I'm 34 and I feel like it's getting the best of me. It has shattered my social life. I have a wonderful job...and when I work I have no problem...it just occurs when I have to deal with people socially such as shopping, going to dinner, running errands, etc.
2006-07-31 07:25:25 · 9 answers · asked by t-ray2006 1 in Health ➔ Mental Health
You all have given me some great tips...i will do my best and put them to use. I've also went to the library and checked out some books on the subject of social disorders and phobias...hope it works!
2006-07-31 11:08:00 · update #1
I have the same problem. I only have one friend cause I just can't interact with people enough to make friends. Sometimes I will have a full blown panic attack when around a lot of people, I will start coughing and cannot stop until I leave the environment. It gets so bad that I can't breathe. This happens to me in stores, restaurants, at someone's house where there are strangers and once when I was on jury duty, they had to recess the whole courtroom until I stopped, it was humiliating!
I don't want to go to the doctor for it cause I have never met my new doctor and I just feel apprehensive about going to see him the first time.
2006-07-31 07:35:39 · answer #1 · answered by ♥Stranger In Maine™♥ (Thriller) 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have two dear friends with the same problem. It's more a disorder than a phobia. There's a reason for it and there is help too. One of my friend's sought help from a reputable psychiatrist and had counseling sessions from a licensed psychologist on his staff a couple times a week. He took medication for about 4 months and had an excellent recovery. That's something to consider, seriously. Because from what I've witnessed, this on-going problem will not ease up or go away on it's own, it will eventually isolate you until going to work will be too painful. But there is help for you--take advantage of it, you'll be glad you did.
2006-07-31 07:38:41 · answer #2 · answered by HisChamp1 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a serious problem. You should consult a mental health professional for some one-on-one counseling. They would be able to steer you toward groups and places in your area that would be helpful and would maybe ease your re-entry into society.
I guess I would suggest trying to "be at work" all the time. Keep that same professional and courteous attitude when you're dealing with people at the grocery store or at dinner. Is it people that are the problem or is it new places that does it? Perhaps if you go to the same few restaurants and stores the workers will get to know you and your habits and that might help too. I am sort of like this (not to your degree) but I know that I appreciate it when the bartenders know me and what I like, it facilitates my going out with ease.
Good luck to you.
2006-07-31 07:31:27 · answer #3 · answered by Goose&Tonic 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's called social anxiety & I have it...sometimes I used to miss work because of the fear of being around people. I started exercising, meditating & taking a herbal medication called 5-htp that helps with seretonin levels for depression/anxiety. It's gradually been helping me, it's a better alternative to prozac which messes with your mind..tried it!
You also have to push yourself to get out, it's hard, but take small steps at a time. Also, I started taking a notebook with me & writing down what triggered my anxiety & why?
hope this helps
2006-07-31 08:24:56 · answer #4 · answered by wendy 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You have to take it slow. Gradually reintroduce people into your life and feel comfortable with them. I understand how you feel, trust me. Reading about psychology has helped me.
What really helps though, is having a sense of humor about things :)
2006-07-31 07:34:35 · answer #5 · answered by Ron 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Talk to a doctor because it can get out of hand. I speak from experience. Good luck.
2006-07-31 08:46:20 · answer #6 · answered by justtravellingthrewtime 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it sounds like you have a panic disorder when you are around ppl. do your hands sweat? get hot? feel sick to your stomach? i suggest you get a referral from your dr to see a psychiatrist and he/she will be able to help you overcome this or even make it bearable for you.......good luck
2006-07-31 07:34:38 · answer #7 · answered by oceanlady580 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Praying might help, or else find one or two good friends to accompany you on errands.
2006-07-31 07:29:40 · answer #8 · answered by Cookie777 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Talk to a doctor bout it, cause you might not be just an introvert
2006-07-31 07:29:27 · answer #9 · answered by jo 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋