How do i get over social anxiety disorder...?

Question

Being around large groups and new people makes me want to throw up because i get so nervice. Any advice other then see a consuler.

Answer 1

i had the same thing, i forced myself to get use to it little by little and now i'm doing great and i can even speak in public without a problem

Answer 2

I would say that when you are in a large group, try to stay close to people you know, use them as a sort of reference point or bridge between the familiar and unfamiliar. Also, I've always found that I am a lot less nervous going into a situation if I ask myself "what's the worse that could happen?" That question usually makes me realize that most the dangers associated with a situation are more imaginary than real. Most people pay much less attention to us than we think they do and are not jerks unless provoked. I also find it helpful to have a plan beforehand. The only time I get nervous is when I don't know what I'm doing. If I know, then I can figure the best way to accomplish what it is I want to do. Maybe these things would work for you too. And if your social anxiety makes you sick, I wouldn't advise eating a big meal before or at the party.

Answer 3

I totally feel your pain. I dealt with that issue for years and it wasn't until recently that I overcame it (for the most part, anyways).

Years of having people tell me, including psychologists, to talk to one person, or stick with friends in a crowd....these things are useless if your fear is derived from something totally different.

I was kind of a loner and I didn't quite understand that people, EVEN THE ONES I FIND INTIMIDATING, are just simple human beings like myself. They understand if you're nervous. They won't judge you if you're ill and need an escape from the situation, and most people are very kind when it comes to helping a person that is having a panic attack or is simply very nervous.
That was the cause of my social anxiety. I was so afraid of being in crowds, unfamiliar places, too far from home, or outside of my social circle, because I honestly believed that I would be trapped. That no one would understand my problem if there was one, and I would be unable to get away or get a break from the stress.

This is not true!

I used my own method, and honestly I did it by accident. I decided that I was going to start saying hello and talking to people I didnt know. Just little comments. I talk to the people at cash registers in the grocery/department stores. Just ask how they are. Be genuine, and be interested. This may take some practice and some time. But...if they know you're for real, they'll be themselves in return, and after a while you'll realize that every one around you is JUST LIKE YOU!

Now I talk to people at the stores, if I see someone looking at something with interest maybe I'll strike up a conversation...or I compliment people on their looks/children. I make jokes with the nurses at the doctor's office. I'm no longer afraid of entering a doctor's office alone and taking care of my business, or ordering alone at a restaurant. It doesn't bother me to think I'll start a job somewhere with people I've never met. I don't worry about going to new places with friends.

Life is easier than ever for me, now. You never know how much your social anxiety affects ALL of your life, until you start getting over it!

I hope this helps. ;)

Answer 4

Been there (still there). Join the club. I'd ask the same question myself. I'd take it one day at a time. Maybe you can conversate with an individual one day and work your way up over time until you can deal with small groups. Then, you can challenge yourself to interact with others in a large group setting. I don't make too big a deal about it myself. As long as I can interact with individuals or in a small group, then I'm okay about it. Some people have a introverted nature.

Answer 5

I have had troubles with social anxiety too. Two things that helped me are:
1) The workbook/CD set titled "Attacking Anxiety and Depression" by Lucinda Bassett. They also have a web site with a chat and forum at www.stresscenter.com.

2) "The Shyness & Social Anxiety Workbook: Proven Techniques for Overcoming Your Fears"

Beyond that, and most important of all is believing you will overcome it.

Try not to worry/beat yourself up about the symptoms you feel. Just keep trying and remember it will get better. I found that for me, even though I wouldn't believe it was true at first, it was a self confidence issue. I have learned to give myself praise when I do good and to not worry about when I mess up and to not worry about how others think of me.

Hope this helps!

Answer 6

I am so happy, it was only a 35 minute drive ( 70 minutes total) but absolutely no sign of anxiety or panic i shopped till I dropped - brilliant! I will now go for the next stage DUAL CARRIAGE way, probably at the weekend, with my husband accompanying me first then the solo drive, if successful the final stage of driving on motorway

Beat Anxiety And Panic Attacks Naturally?

Answer 7

If you have a true social anxiety problem that impacts your ability to function in daily life...you would be best served by a psychologist. I reccomend a psychologist who will work on cognitive behavioral therapy with you. You can also look up CBT and see what it involves and maybe try some of the techniques yourself (but I strongly reccomend seeing a psychologist)

Answer 8

real quick, i have that and i dont have time and cant afford to see a doctor, although ive seen enough of them that advise wise i no longer need their help although its hard to control an out of control mind. i have been taking st johns wort now for a mont and my mind has quieted down significantly. give that a try first. its at your farmacy or vitamin store . it is close to paxil, and prozac. its real cheap, like 7 dollars and it helped me get back focus. so start with the pills first start with 1 for 3 days. if you dont feel any better,go to 2 in the morn . thats what i take. then when you start to feel better ill try to help point you in thr right direction on how to get over social anxiety. ihave it to and i have to work on it every day. but its not as much as a struggle anymore. so give it a try then email ma at [e-mail]. enyone elese need advise to real problems, also feel free to email me.

Answer 9

I am that way too. There are many self-help books out there. If you're really lucky you can find one or two other people like you to be friends with. Don't be too quick to dismiss the counselor idea, however. Also, have you seen your doctor to be sure that you aren't having brain chemical issues?

Answer 10

Read a book by Dr Claire Weekes called self help for nerves this should help you a lot.