Anyone else with social anxiety?

[Roleplay_LouiseUk]

Hey,

So I am suffering with social anxiety a lot recently. I am wondering if anyone else is or anyone who is able to just talk or just to help.

I have been suffering for almost most of my adult life and it seems to get harder and harder each year.

 

[nexus_ausguy]

Well I'm new here, and quite a bit younger, and not to mention nearly halfway across the world but I'll add my two cents

Social anxiety has been a huge problem for me in making new friends, and even keeping my old ones. Everyone around me seems to find it easier to pick up social cues and make interesting conversation, and it only makes me feel worse honestly

I don't get the sweats or uncontrollably nervous much, but I tend to avoid many social situations out of fear, which isn't doing me any favours. It's much different on the internet because of obvious reasons...

I don't know if I'm on the 'spectrum' or not, but I feel like that's just a dick excuse to justify myself. Oh, and eye contact and stammering/stuttering really get in my way as well, but I can usually poke fun at myself and turn it into a joke haha.

Hmmm, to be honest It's gotten a bit better for me recently. I've been a part of an improve group and theatre company for the past 6 months and it's really helped me find my own feet. I'd recommend joining a club or group, preferably with people you don't know. It's a big leap so it won't be easy I also write down any casual thoughts I have or interesting things I've seen during the day, and create my own lil' 'conversation bank'.

Anyway, hope you found this helpful, or at least a bit comforting to read. No one likes to feel alone

 

[JaneRose65]

Right there with you. It can be tough. Whenever meeting new people in public I always fear I'm going to stutter. Here to help in any way possible

 

[krissive69]

oh gosh, yes!

 

[lilly5742]

Yes! I've always struggled with awful anxiety. It has gotten somewhat better with age. But still drives me nuts at times.

 

[Justsayin]

All the time. I enjoy meeting new people, but until I get well acquainted, I may not appear uncomfortable, but I am. Need to establish a level of comfort. Then...who knows?

 

[Nightstalker_82]

I do. It really get's frustrating when people mix it up with being stuck up.

 

[kismet999]

Right there with you folks.

 

[happyplayer]

Hey,

So I am suffering with social anxiety a lot recently. I am wondering if anyone else is or anyone who is able to just talk or just to help.

I have been suffering for almost most of my adult life and it seems to get harder and harder each year.

Yeah Louise I am a sufferer too. I remember almost fainting coming to the checkout in my supermarket! I gradually told myself that I was being illogical!
I realised people were not looking at me. They were living their own lives and were not the slightest interested in me. I used be so afraid of what others were thinking of me until I reversed the roles - I wasn't interested in them so they weren't interested in me.
I am probably not making much sense but really it is a mindset that you get yourself into. Needless worry was my problem. Needless anxiety.
I use a breathing technique now and I find it is definitely helpful. I take in a deep breath and count to four; I hold it for the count of four and then slowly exhale for four seconds and all the while thinking of the most pleasant place where I used be very happy in my childhood - for me a beautiful beach where I had happy times playing! I use this technique before I have to go somewhere that is stressful
.
Sorry if this sounds corny but it is a battle and if your are a fighter you will win xx
(Jim)

 

[SenorFuego]

not to mention nearly halfway across the world )

What the fuck does that have to do with anything? must be your anxiety (fear) that makes you type that out.

 

[IlsaBlackbone]

So get a room - oh wait, that won't work...

INTJ here. It's a drag having to deal with rooms full of cheery need to be your best friend types of... I'd say douchebags but that wouldn't be polite, would it?

Then I read what the frig Social Anxiety whatever meant.

Lord. Look, I get the idea of it takes a shitload outta you to be polite, smile, be friendly whatever in a social setting. You guys though. Holy crap. At least I don't soil my undies when someone says "hello".

Yeah, okay. Maybe I cope by thinking about kneecapping them. Yeah yeah, not socially acceptable. We all deal in our own way mommy...

 

[aftershock69]

Yes. It goes from wanting stay inside forever to wanting to talk to everyone I can. It's natural to have anxiety at times, it'd how you deal with it that counts.

 

[Chris_Michael]

I am diagnosed with Social Anxiety Disorder and Major Depression Disorder. It makes life a living hell. I live in videogames and fantasy. Therapy doesn't help and meds are meh. The Xanax is great though.

 

[krissive69]

INTJ here. It's a drag having to deal with rooms full of cheery need to be your best friend types of... I'd say douchebags but that wouldn't be polite, would it?

Then I read what the frig Social Anxiety whatever meant.

Lord. Look, I get the idea of it takes a shitload outta you to be polite, smile, be friendly whatever in a social setting. You guys though. Holy crap. At least I don't soil my undies when someone says "hello".

Yeah, okay. Maybe I cope by thinking about kneecapping them. Yeah yeah, not socially acceptable. We all deal in our own way mommy...

I'm an INTJ too.... tough to do small talk, although I have learned over time, and actually... find it kind of fun to try to turn small talk into something more interesting and substantive... I would definitely say my hard edges have softened over time...

 

[ADGPound]

Absolutely! Funny thing.... I do sales for a living. I am actually pretty good at it, for close to 30 years in the same industry. I travel quite a bit as well, and it doesn't matter when/where/occasion, I will have my anxiety about meeting new people, to the point of throwing up before meeting them every time.

Once I meet them the first time, I don't have the problem again.

 

[insertawittyusername]

I was diagnosed with panic disorder several years ago, so some social situations have made me anxious because of it, but nowadays, I tend to find social situations draining rather than anxiety provoking.

 

[JD1055]

Annoying

I don't as much suffer from social anxiety but did suffer terribly with generalized after a health issue that knocked me for six. Long after the health issue was fixed I still struggled to leave the house every day. I am way better now thanks to meditation. I know it sounds daft but learning to meditate properly is huge.

 

[IlsaBlackbone]

I would definitely say my hard edges have softened over time...

A diamond chip impregnated stick works wonders touching up the dull edges... assuming you don't have access to a good whetstone... or the knowledge of how to use it...

I like a sharp edge. It's safer; less chance of bouncing, creating a gash instead of a clean cut.

Oh. You were referring to social interaction.

Perhaps as was I.

One can be prey. Or not. That is the choice.

 

[krissive69]

A diamond chip impregnated stick works wonders touching up the dull edges... assuming you don't have access to a good whetstone... or the knowledge of how to use it...

I like a sharp edge. It's safer; less chance of bouncing, creating a gash instead of a clean cut.

Oh. You were referring to social interaction.

Perhaps as was I.

One can be prey. Or not. That is the choice.

prey... thank you.

 

[LusciousLoralie]

I do. It really gets frustrating when people mix it up with being stuck up.

This so much. Either that or people just assume you don't like them It sucks.