How can you get over social anxiety disorder?

Question

I've had social anxiety disorder for three years now and it gets worse everyday. I stopped going to school because the panic attacks and i couldan't handle being in large crowds.
I've lost all my friends since i've got it, and i've become depressed because i'm so lonely.

Answer 1

First, get on some medication if you aren't already on some. Second, talk to a counselor/professional. Third, you need to make a conscious decision not to let your social anxiety disorder affect your life.

Answer 2

I've been diagnosed with Social Anxiety back in Jan. of this year..I cannot deal with crowds either..just yesterday, waiting for my ride, I sat in the lobby, watching my neighbors socialize in the common room made me sick..they're mostly gossippers and older people..I've avoided playing bingo there..I do no longer feel lonely, most of the times I didn't want to be seen around people and wanting to be by myself.
May I suggest you to see your regular doctor and talk to them about your troubles and see if they can help you, with medication or what other options they have for you.. Hope things get better for you soon..

Answer 3

See this site: www.socialanxietysupport.com
It's a forum where u can find MANY people suffereing the same, and u can surly find some more understanding and more infrmation about SA. Hang in there! There are many people with this problem....but it is treatable so this is a good news! U just need to have a lot of patience.

All the best and HUG for u!

If u need someone to talk to please feel free to send me email:
[e-mail]

Answer 4

I have read some litterature about panic attacks. But they allways seem to have a more scientific approach and that is nothing I need in my struggle to survive those horrible panic attacks. This is a "hand on" and very practical book. I felt it was written to me. I am sure that you are going to feel the same.

Joe Barry writes exactly how I think. The examples are perfectly described. And the method is genius. I recommend this book and thanks Joe Barry for writing it. It changes your life

Answer 5

Here's an idea:

I have been scouring the internet, looking for anything that could help me (I found that I have avoidant personality disorder--self diagnosed), and here's a meathod I like:

Sit down, chill out, and think about the person you'd like to be. Visualize exactly where you want to be, who you want to be, what you'd look like and what you'd be doing, where you'd be living, etc.

Don't think about obstacles that would get in the way of achieving that life. Just really think about what you'd be like if you could be just what you'd want to be.

Repeat everyday visualizing, before you go to bed, or when you're laying in bed depressed, anytime, anywhere, as much as possible.

And eventually, that visualization could become a reality because you're thinking about it so much.

Main thing.....rewire your thinking habits. When this is what you're saying in your head: "sh*#, look at me, I'm so stupid and worthless. What am I going to do now? Sit here and mope and be stupid. I just want to die", you will only end up sitting there, moping, and feeling more depressed

but when you say, in your head or out loud (despite feeling REALLY really bad), "It's going to be okay. Here are the positives in my life: (insert positives here). I think I'll take a walk or do the laundry or dishes", then you will gradually start feeling better.....

your thoughts will say "but I don't feel like it, that's stupid" but consciously stop thinking those thoughts. Get a rubber band, put it on your wrist, and everytime you think a bad, depressing thought, pull that rubber band and snap your wrist. Train yourself to be more positive.

You will never be a party girl...never will be the socialite...but you can function in life and be content. CHANGE THE WAY YOU THINK

P.s. don't know how old you are, but I HATED high school and am not in college because I hate that environment. Here's what I did instead: www.petartbykate.com
school isn't always the answer.....

Answer 6

hullo
first, you should get a proper diagnosis, whether it is social phobia, panic disorder, or agoraphobia.
it seems more of agoraphobia to me from your account, if so then a social skills training amid crowds might be best for you with the help of psychologist with or without drug therapy like anti depressant.

dr solo

Answer 7

This is something for a psychiatrist to answer, a serious topic requires someone skilled in the field.

Answer 8

hey, im 16 and I battled for social anxiety for years, I went to a teen clinc and they confirmed it. I know what ur going through and im starting to lose friends because of it. its a good start to so here and ask people. I know exactly what ur going through. i really hope u can get throught this.

Answer 9

i know how you feel an i still do im only 19 i cant seem to go to the doctor an get help

Answer 10

We have the same exact problem. Today I actually went outside of my comfort zone and it wasn't that bad that I thought it was