I went to therapy for mild social anxiety today.?

Question

This was my first time I saw a therapist. We talked about my manifestation of anxiety and he gave me some breathing exercises.I feel that therapy increases my attention to my condition so I experience more anxiety afterwards

Is this normal or should I discontinue my therapy?

If you have taken therapy for social anxiety before, did it work?

Answer 1

Focusing more on your condition is a very normal part of therapy, at least in the initial stages. You have to be willing to confront your problems in order for therapy to work, and confrontation means that you will be more focused on your problems for a while. As you progress through therapy, you should gradually feel less and less anxiety when you're outside of your therapist's office. But while you're there, talking with him about what's troubling you, you will probably feel increased anxiety. And that's okay. And yes, it's perfectly normal. Please hang in there, and keep pushing toward your goal. Running from the thing you fear will not help you escape; it will only increase its power over you. Courage!

Answer 2

Social anxiety can cause these feelings, which can also lead to severe depression,
http://www.socialanxietyinstitute.org/ds...

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!


Another great website: http://www.markway.com/acceptance/menu.h...

Answer 3

You've already made a good decision to seek therapy. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy works best according to research. I suggest seeing a Psychiatrist to get an accurate diagnosis and if you are experiencing symptoms daily, medication to alleviate your symptoms while you are going through therapy. A proper diagnosis from a qualified Doctor is essential for a good outcome or to alleviate your anxiety completely. This can make the difference between night and day. Your concern of feeling increased attention to your condition during the beginning of therapy is normal and is actually part of the process. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy works best for Social Anxiety. If it comes and goes, Cognitive-Behavioral therapy, group therapy, bio-feedback, Meditation, Hypnosis and even Acupuncture has been know to be extremely effective. It can be frustrating during the beginning of therapy or medication management, but it's definitely worth the effort. Good luck to you!

Answer 4

what you are experiencing is normal...especially for social anxiety issues...i would continue the counseling for a short time...don't miss appointments as this will cause more anxiety and do something you like prior to and after the appointment to make it a more relaxed feeling...
therapy will increase your attention...the reasoning behind that is finding out what makes you anxious...without attending to it there is no way to identify the beginnings or how to cope with the issue...it isn't easy and you are in for some uncomfortable moments...just think at the end...you may be so much better off...don't give up...give it a good try!

Answer 5

I think what you are experiencing is normal for after your first therapy session. Counseling and any kind of therapy is very difficult. You are taking a long, hard, honest and open look at yourself and your feelings. It will actually get better as you continue and go forward. Don't stop your therapy, keep going and I think you will find it very helpful in the long run.

Answer 6

I agree with Daisy. Keep going! Use the breathing exercises every time you need to. I am sort of a recluse because I can't trust anyone but my husband. I am bi-polar manic depressive. I have been a mess all my life. Have tried counseling and I can't deal with it. I can't deal with people at all anymore, just briefly, casually, that is it. AND I am better now than I used to be. I am doing it all on my own, day by day. So you don't give up if you want some sort of life outside of your comfort zone.

Answer 7

Hi there, I just laugh about my past 3 years of panic now. I was not able to go anywhere without carrying xanax. Fear of having another attack was the most important subject of my days.When i first found joe barry's web site i started to cry because of my happiness.

Free audio to end anxiety and panic attacks fast?

Answer 8

Normal, continue with the therapy. Good luck

Answer 9

Breathing Execises , well at least thats useful so you wont forget to Breathe .

Do something practical go on Prozac