how do you deal with social anxiety?

Question

I'm pretty sure I have that...

Answer 1

i have SA. i took group cognitive therapy for about 4 to 6 months. i did not take meds, and i'm glad i didn't. meds can help some people, but don't think that you need to be on meds because everyone acts like it's just the thing to do.

cognitive therapy worked for me because it helped me realize that EVERYONE gets anxious socially, and i don't need to think i'm a moron because i might not know what to say at a party. it also helped me change my negative thoughts, so that i could feel more relaxed and calm in social situations.

i'm not COMPLETELY over it, but i can definitely deal with my SA. i've come a really long way. i used to get so uptight about parties that i would avoid them, or get sick, or have that weird floaty, disconnected feeling. i now feel completely at ease at parties, having lunch with coworkers, etc. cog. therapy gives you TOOLS that you can use at anytime. for that reason, i highly reccommend it.

email me if you have any questions, or if you are wondering about your own SA. i know how you feel!

Answer 2

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 3

No one knows that unless you tell them so relax. If you shut the door now, you might not come back out. Your MD may treat people for anxiety and you can find out over the phone before you pay for a consultation. Ask the receptionist or ask to talk to his nurse.

Many people have social anxiety now and I blame it on terrorism. It has let us all know that our lives are not certain in so many ways. We have to face it and it makes us nervous.

Call a doctor. You don't have to suffer or shun your friends and other people. Fear can cripple a person. Fight the fear. It's hard to do, but do it for you because you are worth it. We all are. Peace.

Answer 4

Stop it. Just go out and do things and get used to going out and doing things. Pretty soon it will be hard to get you to stay home.


Social Schmocial:)

Answer 5

I take Lexapro and LOVE it!
www.lexapro.com