My 20 yr old boyfriend has suffered from social anxiety since middle school. He overcame much of his disorder when sent to a therapeutic boarding school for high school, but he still is uncomfortable in talking to those he isn't very close to, and doesn't like crowded social scenes. Is there any thing I can do to help him? Waht are the do's and don'ts of dealing with a close friend with S.A.D. ? Thank you!
2007-03-21 08:50:30 · 6 answers · asked by dancer87 1 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
I just want him to be happy and be able to hang out with me and my friends sometimes, because most of the time it's just the two of us. Is it better to introduce him to one friend at a time slowly or should I just not bother? What are some things to keep in mind to keep his confidence up and anxiety low?
2007-03-21 09:11:31 · update #1
Social anxiety can cause these feelings, which can also lead to severe depression,
http://www.socialanxietyinstitute.org/ds...
if not you could be suffering from Generalized Anxiety
Disorder..http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/general_anx...
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!
2007-03-24 04:47:56 · answer #1 · answered by Advice Please 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Chances are, if he was diagnosed with social anxiety, that he has it and isn't just an "introvert" or "just shy". This is a disease and should be treated that way. My best suggestion would to ask a professional about how to deal with it.
2007-03-21 09:01:45 · answer #2 · answered by Aquaman83 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cure Social Anxiety Shyness - http://SocialAnxiety.uzaev.com/?kdtM
2016-06-21 15:48:22 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
truthfully i have the disorder also so the main thing to do is keep him talking . talk about something he likes or is interested in . or if he doesnt want to talk that much just keep talking to him . it will make him feel more welcome . eventually he'll get used to the people you hang out with and will become more social and happy .
2007-03-21 09:35:37 · answer #4 · answered by tikigirl8918 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your bf may be an introvert. It is not a disease, and there is nothing wrong with it.
Please see the article in the link I have provided.
hope it helps
2007-03-21 08:57:05 · answer #5 · answered by Lucas A 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Encourage him and don't reduce his self esteem.
Let him read the following articles:
http://www.public-speaking-solutions.com/fear-of-public-speaking.html
http://www.public-speaking-solutions.com/build-confidence.html
He could also try hypnotism:
http://www.public-speaking-solutions.com/the-use-of-hypnotherapy-in-public-speaking.html
2007-03-21 09:23:50 · answer #6 · answered by Sofia 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋