Anyone suffering from social anxiety?

Question

Hi i am 17 and am suffering from Social Anxiety Disorder. Is anyone else going through it and how are you handling it. Thanks.x

Answer 1

I've always called it Sociophobia (the fear of social situations) and yes was hell for a while. I tae it one step at a time, go out with people you trust so your not alone, I can drive now that helped alot because it's like having my own little protective bubble and I don't have to face the bus.
It's still hard and I've had it for about 10 years, i'm 22. Does get better over time, I can walk around town on my own now, but I won't go into a pub or anything on my own yet. Just take little steps, I started volunteering and my local centre had a group for support needs, basically helps you get out and about with someone there who understands. If you need any more help e-mail me :)

Answer 2

I developed postnatal depression after the birth of my second son, 9 months ago. With this, I also developed social phobia and social anxiety disorders and had a severe worsening of my pre-existing obsessive compulsive disorder. Initially I found even going out of the house to put rubbish in the wheelie bin an ordeal (I would be shaking by the time I got back into the house), and if I did go out, I had to have either my husband or my mother with me and I could barely even speak when I was out for fear of the 'mask' slipping and people realising what I was feeling. I had done such a good job of hiding it that a lot of people didn't realise (my husband says I am always the one who stays strong for everyone else, even when I was feeling my worst). I have been on anti-depressants since my son was 2 months old and it has taken until now for me to start to feel any way normal again. For a long time I felt completely detatched and lacking a 'normal' emotional response to life (the highs weren't there, but on the plus side, neither were the lows). I'm beginning to feel more like myself, starting to look forward to things again, starting to enjoy myself again. There are still some things that terrify me, going to the shopping centre for example, so many people. I'm not completely over it, but I'm getting there. I'll be honest when I say that I really couldn't have got through this without my husband and my parents, they've been wonderful. My friend Lesley has been great too, in fact she's been the only one of my friends who hasn't completely withdrawn from me, which did upset me at the start, but I'm over that now, I cherish her as a good friend indeed. I must be honest and say that I'm not a particularly spiritual person, but if you find that your faith is a comfort to you that's great. Hope this helps and if you want to email me, feel free.

Answer 3

The great thing about only being 17 with Social Anxiety Disorder is that you are only 17. I didn't get help until I was nearly 30.

There is a doctor who has been on Oprah before regarding this. I've spoken to him and he does do work over the telephone. His name is Dr. Berent. You should be able to find his site.

They say Zoloft helps with Social Anxiety and I did find an improvement in my symptoms. I will do things now that I never did before but I feel I'm rather a severe case. The extreme shyness dating back to early childhood.

Good Luck,
elizabeth

Answer 4

i have social anxiety too. it's very hard, and sometimes i just don't know what else to do but stay home. right now i'm taking part in a social phobia group. at first i was really skeptical about joining, but it's going pretty well. it's nice to be around people who are going through the same thing you're going through =)

best of luck

Answer 5

Hi am 24 years old and Ive had this since i was a child. It seams its getting worse as am getting older. Ive been on many tablets and Ive had group therapy. Which i think did help but iam still the same. I did stay in alot when i was young and made loads of excuses up for not going out with my friends. Also i hid the way i felt from my mum as i didn't know what to say. The time i got so bad was when i first started my job my nerves where bad, I didn't like to meet people who didn't know and i didn't like groups. I start to sweat, shake, and i cant breath and i get embarrassed. I was going sick all the time and my weight was so low i was nearly in hospital as i couldn't eat anything. When iam nervous it effects my stomach and i cant eat. Ive never had a proper childhood which makes me sad and Ive never had dates with boys. Now ive got a husband and baby. I force myself into situations i dont like and if i do OK iam very happy with myself i know i can do it. I haven't been on any medication and iam doing this by myself.

Answer 6

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Generalized anxiety disorder includes persistent and unnecessary worries about everyday, common events or activities, which can disrupt concentration and lead to other issues, such as depression.

Answer 7

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Answer 8

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Answer 9

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Answer 10

i stay at home all the time seriously expecially around christmas. im not too bad compared to some people but i hate talking to strangers that come near me. i will go out if i have to but i hate it.