I have social phobia, I could go to the library but what if someone starts talking to me......ridicules me and criticizes me? And I know that this could happen and I just have to accept that it's part of life but how can I get myself.....baby steps, I guess.....to go to the library?
2007-02-22 14:36:43 · 5 answers · asked by Missy 1 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
By the way, I can go out and be around people....I just never talk to anyone because of my fear. But sitting down and being in a library really frightens me.
2007-02-22 14:38:50 · update #1
Well, think about it. What is the worst that could happen. It is totally a mental problem. If you get over that mental fear you will be able to go out.
ALso remember, it doesnt matter what anyone else thinks about you so stop worrying about that. Just be happy with yourself and confident in you.
Maybe go for a walk outside one day and greet people. Many are very friendly! And then go get coffee or hang out at the library.
It really is in your head though. So don't let your mind inhibit you!
good luck!
2007-02-22 14:43:09 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are people who specialise in treating social phobia; see your doctor and get a referral. You could try this: walk past the library, then, after a minute or so, go in and have a quick look around, to familiarise yourself with its layout, and if you handle that alright, consider asking at the desk where the toilets are, or can you register there? (i.d. required, showing current address). Next time, take out a book, after having a good long look around (carry a book or two). Next time pick a book or magazine, sit down and flip through, but don't stay long. Next time, stay longer, and read a magazine or newspaper article or two, and so on......Visit www.relax7.com/7.php and type: "social anxiety" in the bar at the top of the homepage of: www.myspace.com
2007-02-22 23:18:15 · answer #2 · answered by CLICKHEREx 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only way to overcome fear is to face it.
I guess it's easy for me to say: what do you care what others think?
What do you care if others criticise or ridicule you?
Especially when most of us are not like Dorothy Parker who replied - pearls before swine - to a taunt: Age before beauty.
Or you could tell yourself you have as much right to exist as the next person and claim that right by holding your head high and take it on the chin. You will see that these fears are all baseless and most people will welcome you at best and ignore you at worst.
2007-02-22 22:54:15 · answer #3 · answered by Imogen Sue 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is something called exposure therapy. It involves going around the thing that you fear, on purpose. You start out by doing just a little of what you fear, the gradually up the amount of the stimuli that you fear. Eventually you become desensitised too, it's called systematic desentization.
2007-02-22 22:48:23 · answer #4 · answered by n0tsan3 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Building confidence in yourself. Push yourself everyday to talk to someone new.
2007-02-22 22:40:56 · answer #5 · answered by italianmami7447 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋