Over the last year I have come to acknowledge the fact that I have become very withdrawn and closed off from other people, and after researching on the internet and speaking to people that I trust I feel I may have a social phobia and may also have real confidence issues. I am not sure how to go about overcoming these problems as its not something I know very much about. If anyone knows about these issues do you think seeing a doctor is a good idea? Or should I start seeing a councillor at my university? I am aware that there are ways of getting treated and cognitive behavioural therapy is quite popular. I apologise for being quite vague about things, I am just a little ashamed and a bit unsure of what help is available to me. Thanks for you time, x
2007-04-07 00:46:25 · 15 answers · asked by peroxide.pixie 5 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
you have admitted that you have a problem and it is very admirable that you have made this first step. lots of people go through something like this at some point in their lives so try not to worry about it.
a counsellor at your university is probably the best port of call if you are worried about going to the doctor. it could just be that you need somebody to talk to, and once you get the proper help you will get back on track.
try joining a club or society in something that interests you. it is a great way to meet people and hopefully find people who you have lots in common with. you sound like a lovely person and i'm sure that lots of people would be glad to have you as a friend.
you have taken the first step, the next step is looking for that professional help and i hope that it goes well for you.
good luck! :)
2007-04-07 00:52:51 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have a social phobia too. I have Asperger's Syndrome and don't mix very well. I have never understood the finer art of small talk and end up putting my foot in it. After years of feeling like a fool everywhere I went, I've stopped going anywhere.
I have been a member of bands, museum groups, churches, committees and have other interests that beg me to join a group. I would love to be able to do the things I enjoy but I don't want others to be there. I hate being in social contact with other people.
the only contact I have is on the Net, places like Y!A and chatrooms (The Christian chatroom is a favourite - but I haven't been in there since I discovered here) but I once told someone in there about this and they asked why I can talk online but not in person.
Basically because I don't know for sure that you're real people. I can convince myself that you're all part of my (warped) imagination.
Sorry, not being much help, I don't want to mix with others, perhaps you're better off talking to someone who can convince you to get back out there.
2007-04-08 05:03:10 · answer #2 · answered by elflaeda 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A professional will probably help you focus on what to do, and what not. You said that you "have become". This means that you were more sociable some time before. First, you do not have to apologise for anything, you are just asking a question. I feel that you might have been emotionally battered. If so, let it go now. You must learn from experiences, mostly bad ones. Begin appointments with a good psychiatrist.
2007-04-07 01:18:47 · answer #3 · answered by Milly J 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have the same problem. The first thing I do in a social situation when I start to feel inferior is stop and tell myself that every body has a problem of some sort to deal with. The second thing is remind myself of my good qualities, and realize that I would make a good friend to someone. Also that I have mastered 10 professions and I am far from stupid. That's what works for me.
2007-04-07 01:07:35 · answer #4 · answered by Robert S 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I will save you the $150.00hr bill.. Work on your self-esteem, your bright, attractive, and have alot going for you.. I have a Sister, who just hates people, (mostly how stupid they act) and she did the same thing.. Then she realized that she was missing out on all kinds of stuff. After a few self-esteem sessions, and a little make over, she felt better about being around people. I can tell by the way you wrote your question, that you may be feeling some similar feelings. One thing you didn't mention, was "Anxiety" and that is a primer symptom of any "Phobia". Just remember your smart, beautiful, and worthy of respect...
2007-04-07 00:57:52 · answer #5 · answered by L F 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
knowing that you have a problem is half the battle. I'm not so sure that this is a good platform for such an important and delicate issue but I think talking to a counselor that you feel comfortable with would be a good start and if you don't feel comfortable with the first person you talk with find someone else that you do. good luck!
2007-04-07 00:55:37 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are many methods to try to challenge your anxiety. The one I prefer is to surround yourself with positive, caring people that aren't afraid to tell you something good about your person. A counselor may be able to guide you into that positive atmosphere if you have difficulty finding it alone. gl.
I think its impressive that you can come into a public forum like this and throw it out there like this. It shows a lot of character, which is what it takes to beat this kind of thing. I'd say you've got lots of hope for relief from your anxiety ;)
2007-04-07 00:54:32 · answer #7 · answered by Red Winged Bandit 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A lot of people have social anxiety problems its nothing to be ashamed of. If you can make some time to go to a behavioral therapist I think that you might be surprised at the results they can give you.
2007-04-07 01:02:30 · answer #8 · answered by tucker142002 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have nothing to be ashamed of. I have dealt with this problem my whole life. In my 20's it was very very difficult for me to feel comfortable around strange people and new situations. As I have gotten older and made myself deal with these situations the anxiety has decreased.
2007-04-07 02:16:39 · answer #9 · answered by pat1268 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you really think that you need someone to talk to, you may have a little trouble finding that person. If you have a pastor that you know and feel comfortable talking to; you could ask him if he knows of someone. Or ask your doctor.
Don't worry about being vague; you're entitled to your privacy. You need someone who will be discrete. Do you have any close friends that you can confide in?
I hope you will find the help that you need so you can get on with your life. God bless you.
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2007-04-07 01:05:47 · answer #10 · answered by Barbra 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋