i have social anxiety and need some advise?

Question

getting medication or therapy is quite expensive right now, and i was wondering are there any other herbs or anything else that is safe to take that will give the same results as the medication and therapy? basically, are there any alternatives? please don't say alcohol; i need only serious answers!

Answer 1

I have heard of st. johns wart. It is supposed to help with anxiety/depression.
I have a mild case of social anxiety and do not have health insurance for counseling or medication. I have dealt with it by exercising at the gym, going on walks (they help me think about things and usually refresh me. I crave the mental attention I give myself after I walk for a few days and then I continue to walk more and more)
and I also get up in the morning and make goal sheets. I write down 5-6 things that I want to get done in the day. Sometimes they aren't hard things or social-anxiety related, but sometimes they are. Usually its things like clean a room, get the laundry done, cook dinneer, go shopping, call a friend, invite a friend to lunch, etc. If i start out in the day doing these goals and start crossing them off, I always feel like I have to finish and it motivates me to get everything done. I feel so much more confident after I accomplish the little things that my self esteem stays up there and I'm ready to tackle problems. I also find that reading up on many interesting subjects gives me somethign to talk about when I'm in social situations and I can lean back on some scientific info. I also always drive my own car to situations so that I can leave if I really need to.. but I force myself to stay for half the time I planned on, and usually end up staying the rest of the time if I move past that half time
another great suggestion is meditation, and controlling your breathing. any time you feel anxious or have anxious thoughts, sit back for ten minutes and counsciouslly breathe in and out very slowly. let the breathign take over you and feel natural at a slow pace. this is so helpful when in anxious situations because if you practice this daily, the reflex to control your breathing works very well and you will calm yourself down instantly when in a situation.

Answer 2

Sorry for your troubles. I understand the financial issues. If possible, Xanax is a great solution, BUT you must have a doctor prescribe it. Do not take it without seeing a doctor. It is pretty inexpensive though. You might be able to find a free clinic.

There are many good homeopathic solutions. Do a search; I just did one for "homeopathic, anxiety" and saw many results. There is one in particular I used to use, but cannot find or remember the name. I think I was able to find it at GNC. It came in a small brown bottle, and had a dropper. It is one of a whole line, and I think it might have had a "Dr." as part of the name. Find a good homeopathy store, ask friends, etc. Camomile tea works well.

Get out and be with people as often as possible. The more alone you stay, while it feels easier to stay at home, the more you do, the worse it can get.

There are many books that can help. Visit your local public library. While there are often physical/chemical reasons for social anxiety, you may be able to help yourself just by trying to have fun, and realize that, while it feels like everyone may be looking at you, they're not. That's how I have felt. I also found it liberating to share my anxiety with my friends. For me, trying to hide it made it worse.

You are not alone. Many, many people are going through the same thing, and it is not your fault.

Answer 3

The first two answers are very good.. as are the ones that follow. Sometimes, the best thing we can do, is to do it..afraid. Having another person to share life's moments with, is such a wondrous gift.. I have a friend, Julia, who goes through the same moments as myself, so being able to confide in her is well treasured. Start out slowly, and work your way up. There are going to be moments that will literally steal your breath away.. but that's alright. Each and everyone of us, has something that suddenly grips us at our throats, and freezes us in our steps. Take deep breaths, and exhale slowly.. smile, and learn to laugh at yourself.. For some, finding God helps.. as you can speak with Him silently, and ask for help.. Take life one step at a time, and have fun doing it..
Have you thought about taking up yoga, or swimming.. walking is good. Become active in some fashion, and take time to see all the beauty that surrounds us, that so many of us take for granted. Take a painting, or sketching class.
My oldest son and I suffer with this, and perhaps even my youngest son.. Knowing you're not alone does help sometimes, and sometimes, not at all. You are unique.. be proud of who you are, and always hold your head up high... and always..breath .
May your journey take you to the truth..

Answer 4

Check your area for a State mental health facility. There should be no charge for therapy and meds.

You may want to learn some yoga that encourages you to breath correctly and find inner peace.

I suffer from anxiety disorder also and have found that breathing and meditation are very helpful.

Best Wishes

Answer 5

Dear, I also had social anxiety.. believe me, but it's just a classification system. You're not stuck with that label forever.. thinking you have it only makes it worse.

See, 'social anxiety' is trying to tell you that you enjoy time alone and with close friends. So don't push what your mind is telling you. Sure, attend social situations, but understand that it is okay not to like being with crowds or people you don't know. Everyone is different and unique.. you cannot expect everyone to be carbon copies of the popular magazine/TV stereotype of the extrovert.

You're not socially anxious, you're just introverted. You prefer to enjoy your inner world, there's nothing wrong with that.

I study psychology, and I used to have anxiety/depression. Medicine does not cure it.

What you need to do is to get in touch with yourself, your body, your mind. Find out what makes you act this way, and that way. Once you find out the reason, you're free from the binds. It's true.

All the best for your journey. <3

Answer 6

Hi there, I just laugh about my past 3 years of panic now. I was not able to go anywhere without carrying xanax. Fear of having another attack was the most important subject of my days.When i first found joe barry's web site i started to cry because of my happiness.

Free audio to end anxiety and panic attacks fast?

Answer 7

The medication can help,but try to involve in social activity with someone you trust.
and slowly you will find your self in and everything normal.alcohol never solution ,it does more harm than good.
wish you luck ,god bless

Answer 8

I have used bergamont and aniseed to alivate anxiety. and it really works for me. get a book on herbal medicines and study it.
But really to overcome your fear of socialising with people, you need to be out there socialisng with peopel.

Answer 9

have you tried St Johns Wort? its Great. i take it myself. no side affects, but only sun sensitive, & relaxing teas to, cammmille tea & sleepy time for night is what i take.. I stongley suggest them both, good luck from Bunny.