Social Anxiety- Writing & Eating in front of others?

Question

Anyone's hand shake when writing in front others? Or when bringing the fork to your mouth when eating in front of others?

oops...forgot to ask, how do you deal with it?

Answer 1

Visit this site, there are many people with same problems as yours! Good luck!

www.socialanxietysupport.com

Answer 2

Yes, those are classical symptoms of social anxiety disorder.

You would approach social anxiety symptoms just as those for panic, anxiety and depression. There are medications that may help and of course, if it is debilitating (keeping you from functioning in the world), you would definitely want to seek therapy. You can also do "self-work" and if you would like to choose this I would recommend Dr. Edmund Bourne's book called The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook (it can also be used in conjunction with therapy and is NOT expensive).

In the meantime you might think about some placebo's to get you by....write checks, etc. before you go shopping, filling out as much as possible (keep the safe once you have signed them). If you must eat out, choose a seat where others can not really see you. Note...a placebo or distraction is only a TEMPORARY solution to a problem.

Answer 3

I have social and general anxiety disorder. I am mediciated because I have the same problem you do. I have to take Zoloft and Xanax during extreme anxiety attacks. When eating or writing out say a check in front of someone I feel like all eyes are on me and I am the one everyone is waiting for. I just learn to take a deep breath and try to relax. It really boils down to a mind over matter issue. With medicine though I am better.

Answer 4

I would try to see if you can overcome these anxieties as much as you can before seeking professional help. Always start with baby steps: do these acts in front of people that you would normally be more comfortable around (i.e. friends and family), then work your way up to doing it in quiet qublic places, then on up to out in public by yourself in a crowded restaurant, etc. If you cannot do it by yourself it's PERFECTLY OK. At least you know that you had made your best effort, and that you are earnestly seeking help. Too many people seek miracles in a bottle before they try to help themselves first. Always only take the amount that you really need for any episode that may be happening. You will learn your limitations as you go.
Counselors are also very good with helping you overcome anxieties - each counselor uses different methods, so you may need to "shop" for one that fits your needs and your personality.

Answer 5

I used to have a problem with eating in front of others. That was because of how I was raised. Long story there but have you ever looked at other people eat? Thats what helped me. I don't eat as bad or as fast as some others. lol

Answer 6

When you have been seriously depressed you may have some psychosis remaining. You must be safe in a safe place until you are strong again. Then you must accept that you are an outcast and have to learn the second vocabulary and the hand signs. Good luck... It's the games people play .

Answer 7

My hand shakes sometimes when I pick up a knife,fork or spoon.When eating around others or by myself,I tend to ignore my social anxiety.

Answer 8

Need more info. Were you in an abusive situation as a child. Maybe verbally abused at the dinner table? I was made fun of the way I eat when I was a child and at times I have problems eating infront of people.

Answer 9

I have those same problems. I can't type in front of anyone either and I have to have my back to the wall in a crowded room. I'm a talker, so I talk to distract people from noticing my anxiety symptoms.

Answer 10

I have read some litterature about panic attacks. But they allways seem to have a more scientific approach and that is nothing I need in my struggle to survive those horrible panic attacks. This is a "hand on" and very practical book. I felt it was written to me. I am sure that you are going to feel the same.

Joe Barry writes exactly how I think. The examples are perfectly described. And the method is genius. I recommend this book and thanks Joe Barry for writing it. It changes your life

Answer 11

I think I'd work on it from a "grounding" where it doesn't happen to you, presumably with people you are comfortable with and then move on to situations that are less threatening to you while concentrating on the thoughts running through your head.

Seems to me you are self concious and self critical. Compare how you aren't that way when you are with family and friends and see what different thoughts occur to you when you are uncomfortable with others.

Then when you are free to ponder these things, recognize that the fearful or self-critical thoughts you have when strangers are present aren't justified.

One of the main things to keep in mind when you are self critical is that you can't really know what others are thinking, but it's a safe bet they aren't really thinking of you in a negative way. Try to lighten up on yourself and good luck.