Does anyone else suffer from social anxiety/phobia. How do you deal with it?

Answer 1

I suffer from social anxiety. I cant talk in front of a group, I wish I could because I wanted to say something at my brother's wedding but I was too scared. When someone does talk to me like in interviews or the boss talks to me I get really red and I feel so hot. And its not always that this happens mostly when questions are asked about me. I would like to go to a doctor about this and get on some meds but I dont think I can afford it.

Answer 2

I do and so does my son. He has a harder time then I do.

I have learned not to put myself in uncomfortable situations if I can help it. I've also learned, that it's just the way I am and not to obsess over it. I don't have so much anxiety anymore because I anticipate being uncomfortable and say...oh well...that's just me.

My son, on the other hand, suffers a great deal. When he's in a socially uncomfortable situation, he gets very anxious...he thinks everyone can tell and everyone cares. This is not true...and I've tried to help him accept this in himself.

He's been on Paxil. That did help him with the social anxiety but it also changed him in other ways. As his mother I didn't like it because he didn't act like the person I knew. He did like it though because he felt better about himself.

But best advice I can give, is don't go for the drugs unless you are so bad off you can't function. If you are just really uncomfortable and get anxious before social events, then try doing some mental exercises. Psyche yourself into knowing that you'll be uncomfortable and then reassuring yourself that it's okay to be uncomfortable.

Also, do little mini training exercises. Take people up on things that you'd normally turn down or make yourself do something that you typically avoid...then afterwards tell yourself how it wasn't so bad, things weren't as bad as you anticipated. Eventually you'll get better.

You most likely will never be a social butterfly or the life of the party. But that's okay...not everyone has to be those things. Accept yourself for who you are. Understand this is a phobia, which means it's an illogical fear. It's okay. Just learn how to live your life understanding this fear and controlling it instead of letting it control you.

Answer 3

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!

Answer 4

I thought , and know I am unusually shy. However, to compound that...I used to get physically ill.... when I had to address people publicly, or speak in front of people. That made my life a nightmare, as I used to be a 'security design consultant', and had to do presentations, and teach groups on a regular basis. Earlier in life.... High school years, I was involved in music, and was never able to sing solos, or anything of that nature...and I had always thought music would be my life. Today...I work as a card dealer in a Resort Casino. Am 49 years old, and have to mentally prepare to walk out on the floor, and stand in front of the players. A ritual I have to do after every break. It is as difficult today, as it was 35 years ago. Will I ever overcome it...I doubt it. Does it control me...YES, to some degree. But I no longer have to throw up, before I have to go to my assigned table......... You are not alone..... just work thru it as far as you can. I minor step forward is a HUGE advance.

Answer 5

I absolutely do. For some time I totally kept out of crowded, public places. I stopped taking classes, in favor of taking net-classes, telecourses, and self-paced (at home) courses. Medication has helped quite a bit, though if the situation is a very stressful one, I am still getting panic attacks at such events.

I meditate, use lavender aromatherapy (candles, incense, body spray, lotion, soap, shampoo even cleaning products). These are very relaxing, and sometimes help with sleep as well.

I walk/jog/run before and after 'public appearances'.

I drink Chamomile Tea, and Sleepytime Tea.

I have cut out all caffeine - except for one morning coffee.
I have also cut out sugar.

I still try to go everywhere I need to before or after the 'crowds' appear. When I drive, I do so far away from rush hour. I continue to stay away from people who stress me out.

Answer 6

I suggest you go to a mental health professional. You can also get The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook, available at Amazon.com.

Answer 7

I dealt with it for years and never knew it was a condition.
I thought it was just me so I fought to overcome it and
eventually, I did. If I knew it was an actual medical condition
I might not have tried so hard. I just became witty, funny, well read and now I'm not extremly popular but accepted. People seek me out for advice and I can make them laugh.
If you can't do it on your own, seek outside help.
It's not a pleseant thing to deal with, I know.

Answer 8

I have to prepare myself to go into public before I even go by doing deep breathing to lower my blood pressure and heart rate and when I go out I many times have to repeat this this works alot faster than any of the meds that have been prescribed for me breathe in to the count of 8 hold for the count of 4 and blow out to the count of 8 using abdominal breathing do this 3-4 times and you will feel yourself starting to calm down naturallly

Answer 9

Take rescue remedied just before you go out. it helps a great deal....you'll be talking confidently and internally anxiety will disappear and you wont even realize it.

Answer 10

if you are dealing with somebody for the first time or standing infront of new people you can imagine them disney characterswhich you are not scared of or imagine with a very long nose or something very funny that makes you feel better or prettier than them and that will boost your confidence infront of them


good luck