Social Anxiety?

Question

I self diagnosed myself with social anxiety disorder.

I am extremely quiet and shy around people I don't know.

If there is a larger group of people I don't know, I start to freak out. My palms get sweaty and I start shaking.

I concentrate more on the conversations that might take place and how they can end up then I actually spend talking.

I tend to almost cry (and have before) when I am alone or will be alone around people I have to make a good impression on.

I can't even talk on the phone to order pizza or make a doctors appointment.

But I can go to the mall, or make a doctors appoinment in person.

Does this sound like it could be S.A.D.? If so, what are treatments. Sometimes I think this is just all in my head and that I can get over it with pratice, yet I can't.

Answer 1

It sounds a little more specific than general social anxiety. It looks like a PERFORMANCE anxiety. You mention being concerned about making a good impression, talking on the phone, analyzing possible conversations, and large groups. Somehow, your anxiety appears mostly when you don't know what is expected of you. However, it seems that you don't mind people if you know them, or there is some "social script" that you know how to follow.

And what do you mean by ..."when I am alone or will be alone around people I have to make a good impression on.."? Would it help if you had a friend with you, so you would not have to confront those people alone? If so, then it would help you to have a close best friend, and stick close to him or her most of the time.

It could also help if you examine why you feel like you have to make a good impression. Most of the time, you don't. There's usually very little at stake in social interactions. Until you might someday have to engage in public speaking, or arguing in front of a jury, or acting before a camera, our lives are not really performances. At least, you don't have to emphasize that aspect of things, do you?

Answer 2

Absolutely, positively 100% Social Anxiety. It's a very tricky disorder where you can do certain things and are scared stiff of other similiar things.

Social anxiety can cause these feelings, which can also lead to severe depression,
http://www.socialanxietyinstitute.org/ds...

There is hope; I've been there, and still am there, it is a long, hard struggle. I recommend
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/cognitive_b... worked best for me, with mild anti-anxiety meds. I suffered from social anxiety for over 15 years. I've tried individual therapy, and group therapy and studied psychology for 10 years, as a profession, but also with the hope to cure myself.

Depending on your comfort level, you could go to a psychologist that practices CBT and specializes in anxiety disorders, seek a group therapy, or create one. Usually those that do attend the group therapy are a bit more high functioning because as you know, it can be difficult to speak in a group.

Another idea is to see if there are any local research studies being conducted that you could participate in.

The program that finally worked the best for me is this one: http://www.socialanxiety.us/findinghelp.... and I was lucky enough to have a structured behavioral group to go along with it. Sometimes the people that actually attend this program come back home and form groups.

I recommend a mild anti-anxiety med in addition to CBT therapy.

Any questions, let me know ... I can't tell you how much this has improved my life!

Answer 3

Im similar to you, extremely quiet and shy around people I don't know(thats why I lack friends, but its ok). I sweat from the head. Its all in the head just about.

I search some information just for you.

Treatment of social anxiety disorder includes professional counseling and sometimes medications (such as antidepressants), depending on the degree to which your symptoms are impacting your daily life. Social anxiety disorder can be generalized—meaning you fear most social situations—or your fears may be limited to one or a few social situations. The more social fears you have, the more debilitating the condition, and the more difficult it can be to treat.

A person who has social anxiety disorder often has alcohol or substance abuse problems or depression as well. When other psychological conditions occur with social anxiety disorder, additional treatment is needed for those conditions.

More info here: http://health.yahoo.com/topic/anxiety/overview/article/healthwise/hw177278;_ylt=AtuICj7AlloMajbtDfjORcZLvs8F

Answer 4

I wouldnt say you meet the criteria for an anxiety disorder (maybe anxiety-NOS); however you do seem to be just very shy. I'm like that too. My friends think I am not shy at all and think I am crazy and outgoing, however I bet if you asked people at my job, they would say I am too quiet. It takes a lot of warming up...and you may be the same way. The fact that you can go out to the mall (where there are large crowds) doesn't make you anxious.
The key is to say to yourself, "I can be a friendly, outgoing person." and try to believe yourself and do it. Also, say, "I will talk to a stranger today", and do it. While you are waiting in line somewhere, just say hi to someone and make a little comment. If it sparks a conversation then good, if not, that's okay too. The fact is, you have talked (first) to someone you didn't know.

Answer 5

If you have a social disorder it is certainly in your head; that's the reason it's a disorder as it's based on your perceptions of things. Why or bugged about being around people is another issue.
See a shrink, no big deal as it happens alot.

When I was 5-10 I did not like being around people I did not know; I dreaded it, I hated being in crowds and often went sideways trying to avoid events my parents made me go to; I grew out of it.

Relax, see a shrink and let them do their thing.

Answer 6

consult ya doctor