psychologists (and anyone else):can depression worsen social anxiety?

Question

my whole life i had social anxiety, but i was able to make friends. im a senior in high school, and i havent made any these past four years. in seventh grade i started to get depressed and i feel like it is really the reason my confidence has gone down. i know depresssion is a result of anxiety, but can it be almost the opposite for me?

yea, im in therapy

Answer 1

If you're thrust into uncomfortable social situations, eventually it can weigh on your overall outlook on life. It's the same with anything we don't feel comfortable with that's forced on us again and again.

Answer 2

Yes, it's true that depression can worsen social anxiety. I was diagnosed with depression my eight grade year and bipolar disorder about half a year ago. When you deal with depression it's hard to be around people/have any friends because you're just not yourself. You become withdrawn or even in small children you became very aggressive to others because of the depression. I personally had a problem with social anxiety due to my depression that I actually ended up dropping out of high school and getting my GED. I hope you get the help that you need and that you are doing well.

Answer 3

Absolutely it can. Even people with physical ailments such as fibromyalgia can develop depression due to anxiety. Social anxiety and panic attacks are closely related. Good physicians will treat you with both an antidepressant and an anti-anxiety medication. The fact that you feel anxious over meeting people can created more anxiety and tend to make you isolate yourself from the "in crowd." Don't worry, just remember, these people won't matter to you after you get out of school anyway. Don't let them get to you. This is given as loving advice from one who has suffered as you have.

I hope you feel better real soon and again, see your physician and get treated for both depression and anxiety. You may not always have these symptoms but now, you definitely need help.

I have noticed that some of the people in school who did not run with the "in group" were actually the most successful in the corporate world and in fields where they excel. Bless your heart.
Bottom Line: Depression can worsen anxiety and anxiety can worsen depression for all sorts of reasons.

Answer 4

Depression can worsen social anxiety, because it can drain you of the desire to go out and make friends. Don't get too discouraged, high school can be tough, and you're almost done. If you haven't already, consider seeing a therapist. Depression and anxiety very common, and there are some great treatments for both.

Answer 5

For me, I find that if I'm on top of my game I'm susceptible to social anxiety. But if I'm in a depressive rut the social anxiety disappears.

Couple of tips: I see depressive symptoms coming on when I have a conflict with something and negative emotions rise. The conflict comes about mostly by having a wrong outlook on things, or a false premise about something. Thinking differently, or seeking a different perspective lifts the clouds in my mind. I don't see anxiety and depression coexisting at the same moment. They seem to be exclusive, but nonetheless, two very negative emotions to different conflicts.

So if you can learn to deal with stress and conflict with the right perspective, you will heal, despite some setbacks. I think the most important thing is to make what's right for you the most important thing that matters, and forget all the other pressures. It doesn't hurt to get some help for symptoms now, but promise yourself you will try to grow bigger and better on your own little by little so you can be freer in your adult life. Everyone struggles to different degrees and at different times in their lives.

Answer 6

I'm not a psychiatrist - I have clinical depression. And I have symptomatic anxiety. I hate to go anywhere or "invest" emotions in friendships. Even when my depression is under control, I prefer to remain isolated from other people. I do find solace in animals.

Are you in therapy? You're young enough to make some positive changes and overcome your anxieties. Talk to your parents about getting you into counseling. Choose a therapist that uses CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). Also, find something you are interested in and find others who are interested in that one thing. Don't stress yourself out trying to get TOO involved, but start with small steps toward becoming more involved in "life."

Good luck! :)

Answer 7

Over the last five years I had begun to have increasingly withdraw into a downward spiral of depression..

But now with the method I can fully focus my energy and thoughts into a decisive line on how to make my life better constantly. And it works like magic! I'm beginning to attract people to me once again and things have just been looking up since then.

Helping you eliminate depression?

Answer 8

I am not a psychologist, however I do suffer from depression and it does cause anxiety attacks to come on. Get some help, you don;t have to continue to live this way. There is help out there. Be well.