I think i might have social phobia. Anybody has it that might give me some info?

Question

I feel really nervous when Im around new people or new places. If i talk to someone i keep reviewing the conversation in my mind and I always find out I said something stupid or did something stupid. Im always worried abaut what to wear to different situations or places. i avoid my neighbors even though they are really nice. Im kinda misserable.

Answer 1

Social Anxiety Disorder

I have it a bit and have had it for a long time. They have meds you can take for it (I think Paxil is one), but I don't like meds, or doctors... I actually find that yoga and meditation helps me a lot, I feel really good about myself and refreshed after a session and am more outgoing for a bit after.

I'm the same way though, I always overanalyze conversations and meetings that have taken place and nit pick little things that i said/did that the other person probably didn't even notice or remember...I'm very shy. When I'm walking down the sidewalk and walk by someone I'm always thinking paranoid thoughts like "they're thinking about me, did I look at them wrong, what if they think I'm thinking negative thoughts about them though i'm really not, should i look at them, should i look away, why did i just look down, do my clothes match, is my hair awful"...ha, basic paranoia.

However, I try to face it head on and I now volunteer at a zoo and talk to small groups in public a lot more, so that is helping me get over it too...but I still get that way a lot, especially around people I don't know.

My suggestion is find something that makes you feel really good about being you and not thinking about what other people think. And when you have that natural high go out in the world and face it as best as you can...starting small and work your way up. Exercise and meditation always works for me and makes me feel better about myself. I don't like drugs (medication) but there is always that option.

Answer 2

If you're talking about approaching members of the opposite sex, it's not a matter of social phobia...its a matter of being a normal human being. The fear of rejection is very natural. As to getting over it, the easiest way is to think about it in this way: What do you have to lose, really? If you don't ask, you'll never know, and you'll just wonder. If you DO ask, yes you could get rejected, but that sting will go away quickly...and the negative pales in comparison to the possible positive of getting what you want. I assure you, it gets easier after the first time. Just go for it one time, and the next time it will be MUCH easier.

Answer 3

Yeah, sounds like you might have social phobia. What worked for me (pretty well--I still have some issues) was exposure therapy. I used the book _Dying of Embarrassment_ and I was also in individual therapy. I took meds, too--mine was really bad and I needed some help to deal with my physical symptoms.

Basically, you do something that freaks you out only a little so that you realize it's not so bad and you can build your confidence. Then you do things that are progressively more and more scary until you finally get to the point that you've done all kinds of things that used to petrify you and you feel pretty OK.

I still have some fear about social situations, but just think of Pauly Shore or that guy who was married to Drew Barrymore, that "my bum is on your lips" guy. Tom Green. But they made good money off of acting totally stupid and annoying and if they made a career out of acting like morons, you can certainly say something a little dopey and survive just fine. And practice doing something stupid on purpose, like wearing your shirt inside out or wearing two different shoes (my parents do that all the time and they feel just fine about it. But they're terrible dressers--do it on purpose, not because you just don't care.) Most people won't even notice, but those who do will probably just mention it and then it won't really matter to them. You gotta get over this feeling that you're inferior--it's a total crock of bs. You're just fine, so do what it takes to get over your social phobia. It's worth it!

Answer 4

I always feel that way too, and I think I'm in the same position as you where I realized I have a problem, only it took more control of my life and cost me my education.

But now I'm trying to deal with that by saying, "**** it", what I say is just what I say, I can't change that and if people are going to judge me on that, they're horrible people and **** them.

If you find a friend online, somewhere close to you if you ever want to meet up, it could help. I'm open way more than I am in real life, and I have social phobia like yourself.

Answer 5

I used to be the same way maybe not ignoring the neighbors but really nervous when i do talk them. I learned to calm down and think before i speak, I also learned that I have to be me and I don't care what anybody else thinks I 'm going to do or say what makes me feel comfortable and if I say something wrong then oh well better luck next time.

Hope this helps.
God bless!!!!!!!!

Answer 6

It sounds normal, I do not think there is anything wrong. Just be yourself and have a good time. If they do not like something tell them to let you know!

Answer 7

i think i may have it too. i start freaking out when i have to walk the dog and somebody is mowing their lawn down the street. i dont think its too severe because i can manage to look normal and say hello if they say hello but i just hate the whole situation. you sound JUST like me. except i never told anyone lol.

Answer 8

There are medications for this to help with your anxiety. Talk to your doctor.

Answer 9

Be a good admirer of yourself when you speak.Enjoy making your moves.Be your first admirer.

Answer 10

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/-phobia
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/phobia_symptoms_types_treatment.htm
http://www.phobias-help.com/
http://www.hypnosisanswers.com/typesofphobias/
http://hcd2.bupa.co.uk/fact_sheets/html/phobias.html
Please visit the above pages. I hope it helps u.