Who here has social anxiety?

[bloodugly]

Originally posted by: JohnCU
all this talk about just forgetting about what people think, etc. when you have true social anxiety is much easier said than done.

This is true, but it is part of the process for dealing with it.

 

[puqdew]

Originally posted by: ViviTheMage
define social anxiety?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4truuD_xMP0

Thanks for your replies. It is definitely hard to not think about what other think. I've really tried to not give a shit about what others think ... if I am happy myself, what else matters?

It's just difficult though. Like I cant even hang with a bunch of close friends without worrying what they're thinking and if this continues, it will cause a lifestyle where I will constantly isolate myself.

Saw a specialist yesterday who recommended Prozac. Thoughts?

 

[JohnCU]

Originally posted by: bloodugly

Originally posted by: JohnCU
all this talk about just forgetting about what people think, etc. when you have true social anxiety is much easier said than done.

This is true, but it is part of the process for dealing with it.

that's probably true

 

[SlowSpyder]

Go to your doctor and tell him/her that you asked some people on a computer hardware forum about what drugs to take for anxiety, and that they suggested, "Xanax, stat!" It's very important that you remember to say 'stat' at the end so he knows you've done your homework on this.

 

[thirtythree]

You could try seeing a psychologist first (with a PhD). General practioners or psychiatrists (with MDs) are more likely to just prescribe something. It'll cost ya, so try to find out if your insurance covers it. Also, try to find a cognitive-behavioral therapist as others have said. There are also a number of self-help cognitive-behavioral books out there.

EDIT: And I think someone else mentioned this, but something that helped me a lot was getting a job where I was constantly interacting with people.

 

[ivan2]

i think u need to get out more, it will get better and better

 

[hanoverphist]

Originally posted by: MoPHo
I used to have social anxiety, then I became a Communication Major in college. Did a few public speaking courses and now I get a rush every time I talk in front of a dozen+ people. In the beginning, I would get really nervous just thinking about talking at the front of my 10 person class but last year I had to debate a bill on the floor of our assembly in front of 400+ people and I did fine.

I'd avoid drugs though. Just try to make baby steps if possible.

i used to hate giving speeches, even after a few courses for it in college. what really kicked it for me was going to a training session for work (it was a system i designed and implemented) and finding out the i was the one training them how to use it. i had to get up in front of 20 plant employees, managers and engineers and explain the whole system and train them on how to use it. in front of 3 cameras. i tell ya, once your job is on the line it kind of puts that whole deal into perspective.

i didnt have social anxiety tho, i went out all the time before i got married, talked to strangers (and lots of strange people) and usually always had an outgoing existence. my problem was structured public speaking. not anymore tho, been in management far too long to have a problem talking in front of groups.


in retrospect, after being married for 17 years, i have more social anxiety now than i did before i got married. must be an "out of practice" thing

 

[Modelworks]

There is no one solution . The fix will be different for everyone. You really need to find someone who does more than work out of an office. I knew someone who had SA worse than anyone I have ever seen. It was so bad that he could not leave home without problems. He would have to go directly from his front door to his car. If he stood around outside his anxiety would overwhelm him. He was going to college at the time and when changing classes almost had to run from class to class and always sat in the back of the room. You could tell he wasn't faking it. He would be covered with sweat and breathing fast. Drugs had little effect. He did get better though, but not by seeing a counselor in a office.

He found someone who would take him out in the community and work with him there. There is nothing wrong with using drugs to help the situation provided you have a good doctor prescribing them . Don't go to your family doctor for drugs like this, go to someone who specializes in the area. I wish the FDA would change the rules so a GP cannot prescribe those classes of drugs, it really creates problems.

If you don't want to see someone then start reading up on CBT, something I think everyone should read, not just those having problems.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C...ive_behavioral_therapy

It is basically just catching yourself thinking in ways that are not true.
My big issue was black or white thinking, where you see things as all good or all bad with no gray area. CBT helped me a bunch with that.

 

[Regs]

I tried 25mg of Zoloft for anxiety a couple years ago. It helped....but it also makes you compulsive, and very tired! I could be sitting at my desk at home and I could close my eyes and next then you'd know I'm sleeping on a keyboard. Make sure you dedicate at least 8hrs of sleep when you're on anxiety/depression drugs!

I would also recommend social help groups and maybe even a therapist. You need practice and drugs won't do it a lone. It will be hard on anyone to communicate after years of being dormant.

 

[PlasmaBomb]

Originally posted by: puqdew
I'm only 17. Does that make a difference?

Yup.

Antidepressants have to be used with caution in under 18's.

 

[Jeff7]

Originally posted by: PlasmaBomb

Originally posted by: puqdew
I'm only 17. Does that make a difference?

Yup.

Antidepressants have to be used with caution in under 18's.

And if they mention anything about seizures in the side effects, don't drive.

I had been on Wellbutrin for about a week when I had a hell of a good seizure during class. I had no memory of it, but I did mysteriously become quite dusty (dirty floor), and people in the class were giving me worried glances.

Before that, I was on Celexa. It didn't help much; it just made me feel a bit drowsy, and I yawned constantly. Anxiety and depression were still present, but everything was simply dulled.

Most of what helped me was getting the hell out of school. I seem to lack any sort of quick wit, which doesn't help when you're made fun of by damn near anything that resembles a primate, Every. Single. Day.

And it wasn't until awhile after school that I was really made aware of "friendly ribbing," or whatever you want to call it. For example, guys will say to each other sometimes, "You're such an ass," but it's a joke. I pretty much had no concept of that. In my mind, you'd insult someone if you meant it, and that was it. So I don't know how much of the hell that was Grades 2-12 was a result of that, or because of the fact that my behavior in general was a bit "out there" - I preferred interacting with teachers because I could talk normally to them at my own vocabulary level, without the look of "what the hell are you talking about?" that I'd get from kids my own age.

Even now, I still have trouble differentiating between genuine commentary and sarcasm.

 

[Analogsoul]

Anyone who has replied with "just get more confidence/grow a pair" really doesn't understand how debilitating actual social anxiety can be. It's really not that simple as somehow getting more confidence. The reason people have this condition is that their brain "overreacts" with the fight/flight mechanism causing anxiety over social situations. The best way to treat this is both by taking medication to help control the "overreaction" and cognitive behavior therapy to work through the fears created by years of having this anxiety. Simply taking medication for it, although helpful, is not enough to truly get over this since you will still have the fears that haven't been worked through. Also, exercising regularly and getting a proper nights sleep is also very helpful. Sleeping especially since serotonin is created while you sleep which helps regulate the fight/flight mechanism.

 

[IceBergSLiM]

some hookers and blow should loosen you up ALOT!

 

[zinfamous]

Originally posted by: JohnCU

Originally posted by: SunSamurai

Originally posted by: JohnCU
i don't agree with drinking away the anxiety. that's a slippery slope.

We arn't telling him to become an alcoholic, tard. What do you think bars are for?

i know tard, but that feel good feeling of not having anxiety from alcohol might lead to drinking all the time.

tis true, tis true. moderation is best.

It's way good friends are best to keep around, and not mouth-breathing frat boys that prefer you to be as drunk as possible--just short of or maybe even past alcohol poisoning.

Good friends will drink with you socially and responsibly. (not my friends )

 

[GregGreen]

POT? I'm surprised no one has mentioned it yet.

 

[Jeff7]

Originally posted by: Analogsoul
Anyone who has replied with "just get more confidence/grow a pair" really doesn't understand how debilitating actual social anxiety can be. It's really not that simple as somehow getting more confidence. The reason people have this condition is that their brain "overreacts" with the fight/flight mechanism causing anxiety over social situations. The best way to treat this is both by taking medication to help control the "overreaction" and cognitive behavior therapy to work through the fears created by years of having this anxiety. Simply taking medication for it, although helpful, is not enough to truly get over this since you will still have the fears that haven't been worked through. Also, exercising regularly and getting a proper nights sleep is also very helpful. Sleeping especially since serotonin is created while you sleep which helps regulate the fight/flight mechanism.

Heh, yeah, I'd love to have my adrenal glands surgically removed. If only it wouldn't be considered socially "weird" to do that sort of thing.
I find them to be quite useless, and I generally dislike adrenaline's effects.

 

[puqdew]

Originally posted by: GregGreen
POT? I'm surprised no one has mentioned it yet.

Works for me

Makes some even more anxious/paranoid.

 

[Candymancan21]

Originally posted by: Regs
I tried 25mg of Zoloft for anxiety a couple years ago. It helped....but it also makes you compulsive, and very tired! I could be sitting at my desk at home and I could close my eyes and next then you'd know I'm sleeping on a keyboard. Make sure you dedicate at least 8hrs of sleep when you're on anxiety/depression drugs!

I would also recommend social help groups and maybe even a therapist. You need practice and drugs won't do it a lone. It will be hard on anyone to communicate after years of being dormant.

Zolft also makes you dick smaller. Dont belive me look it up

 

[shortylickens]

Do what I did.
Join the Navy.

Within the first year you'll be doing all kinds of things you never dreamed of. The least of them will be socializing.

 

[Udgnim]

if social anxiety = heart racing panic when in an unfamiliar social environment you're not accustomed to, then drugs and psychiatry

if social anxiety = nervous shy unsure feeling when in an unfamiliar social environment, then get out more and get used to it

 

[KingGheedora]

Originally posted by: Jeff7

And it wasn't until awhile after school that I was really made aware of "friendly ribbing," or whatever you want to call it. For example, guys will say to each other sometimes, "You're such an ass," but it's a joke. I pretty much had no concept of that. In my mind, you'd insult someone if you meant it, and that was it. So I don't know how much of the hell that was Grades 2-12 was a result of that, or because of the fact that my behavior in general was a bit "out there" - I preferred interacting with teachers because I could talk normally to them at my own vocabulary level, without the look of "what the hell are you talking about?" that I'd get from kids my own age.

Even now, I still have trouble differentiating between genuine commentary and sarcasm.

I actually have the same issue and didn't realize it till i was done with college. My anxiety issues made me interpret that as people attacking me so I stayed away from most people. I still have trouble with this now, as do you.

 

[KingGheedora]

Originally posted by: GregGreen
POT? I'm surprised no one has mentioned it yet.

I always see this as a recommendation, and I think its not a good option for people with anxiety issues. I get mixed results with it. Sometimes get super paranoid and anxious, other times i can chill. Seems the worst of it is over, but if i smoke with strangers it still causes paranoia and anxiety.

 

[yhelothar]

changing your attitudes to positive ones that aren't self-defeating
Regular protein meals supplies the precursors to your neurotransmitters that help chill you out.
oh and an emotional support animal

 

[yhelothar]

Originally posted by: GregGreen
POT? I'm surprised no one has mentioned it yet.

Works in the short run, until you build a tolerance and you end up feeling worse than you started with.

 

[child of wonder]

I must have some form of SAD. When confronted with people of strong personality types or in a situation where I don't have reason to feel confident or comfortable, I find myself stuttering and stammering, unable to think on my feet quickly, and my voice won't come out in the typical deep baritone it typically does, more like a soft whine. Pisses me off to no end.