has anybody with severe social anxiety ever overcame it if so how?

Answer 1

I'm glad you asked this, because I have made great progress with my Social Phobia (Anxiety). It hasn't gone away entirely, but I'm able to function a lot better. And...just so you know...you are definitely NOT alone! 5.3 million adult Americans (3.7% of the population) have social anxiety disorder. Check out the link below....

My Social Anxiety is the Crowd/General Public Variety. I don't have any problems with family/friends/or work, but if a stranger looks at me the wrong way...I'm a mess. (Fear of being Judged?)

I went to Therapy (first) to find out why I was so afraid of people. I'm hypersensitive to people's Facial Expressions and Body Language.

My thoughts were driving my emotions, which drove my actions. I paid close attention to 'what' I was thinking when I started to get anxious....most of the time negative stuff. I started small (changing thought patterns...i.e. - thinking something nice or positive), then my behavior started to change.

And...I take a very small dose of Anti-Anxiety Medication to take the 'edge' off my Hyper-Vigilant Behavior. I don't take it all the time...only when I know I'll be in a Big Crowd.

Good Luck to you...

Answer 2

yeah. I hit a point in my life where I felt extremely alone, and that everyone else alive was extremely stupid and didn't care about much but themselves. This isn't entirely true, but it is a fact that alot of people do only care about themselves. I just don't associate myself with those kinds of people. Being social is very important, this is true, and so is acceptance, but in my opinion morality and integrity should be held above popularity. This works for me personally, and the friends I make are good ones, and honest ones to the best of my judgement. You can either be a person with tons of friends you can't trust, or you can be a person with a handful of friends that you know you can trust. Basically, to overcome the anxiety of social situations, it's best to know what principles and morals you stand for, and never adapt to another persons form of thought just because they think it, but use your best judgement on the matter. Just my personal take on things.

Answer 3

I was never diagnosed with it but my ex was. What I think works best is taking baby steps. Try hanging around with a few of your close friends.Once you are comfortable with that try going to a club or bar and making friends with people. I would advise you bring some one your really close to with you so that you have some one there for support. Remember that no one has a right to judge u just based on looks and if they do they are shallow and not worth your time any way. The key is to take it slow but steady.

Answer 4

I didnt have severe social anxiety, but i never used to like going out much, like i didnt like meeting new people, i was always afraid of what they thought of me, and i didnt like it!!!

I eventually overcame the fear when i was reading an article on life. It occurred to me, subconsciously, why do i care? Its your life, why should you care if anyone else judges you? So from then on (it was about 2 years ago) i just started not caring wat people though, and i moved on with my life, and it was the best decision of my life.

I now have lots of friends, and a fairly decent social life. Just remember, always look on the bright side of things, and dont let anything get you down!!

Answer 5

Yes, I worked on my personal self esteem first, and then it helped with my social anxiety. I still have social anxiety at times, but not nearly as bas as when I was in high school.

Answer 6

Eliminate Social Anxiety And Shyness : http://tinyurl.com/EDIb4bHzHt

Answer 7

Yea, I spent time with one person, who literally drove me insane. I cut off all communications with them and learned you had to get used to less social interaction with more people than more with less people. I used to plan ways to hurt myself so I would not have to talk to people, but now I do alright. Just took me time.