|
Social Anxiety
My mom says she thinks I have social anxiety, one of my close friend said she agreed, and I think my psychologist might agrees although she hasn't said so to me directly. I have always disagreed and think I'm just fine but recently I have started to wonder. I avoid people at all costs, even my friends because I'm afraid of doing something wrong, saying something stupid, or otherwise embarassing myself. I hate meeting new people and I can barely talk to people I don't know, its hard enough talk to those that I do know. I can't even bring myself to go up and talk to anyone outside my immediate family (my mom and two sisters)without being poked and prodded. I don't like leaving my house and I try not to because I'm afraid I might look stupid or act stupid and people will laugh at me. I'm always worried people are thinking I'm stupid in their heads. I can't even call my best friend about asking to stay the night because I'm afraid of saying something dumb. It isn't normal, I know that. But is it really social anxiety? I kind of want another opinion.
[ ]
Want to answer more questions in the Health & Fitness category?
Maybe give some free advice about: Mental health?
Yes, I'm afraid you do have Social Anxiety.
And Lack of confidence.
Good Luck with your psychologist =]
]
You fit the symptoms of social anxiety to a tee.
[Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
I would look through that, and I'd go see a psychologist. I suffer from SAD too, and I'm about to go start Cognitive Behavior Therapy so that I can overcome it before I start school in a few weeks.
]
I find that I am a great deal older than most of the advisers on this site, so my advice will be somewhat different from what you have received and may continue to receive from others.
I agree with the previous advisor, the symptoms you have listed appear to be classic. I also agree that putting labels on things only prove to classify and categorize things, they prove nothing. What is important is that you understand something is not right and you are doing something about it.
I did a little research before answering you and found a website called Social Anxiety Support. I will include the link at the end. The information on the website is written by professionals, which of course I am not, so it is going to be more informative than I could be. From the little bit I read I found there are a number of causes for Phobias some of which react well to medication.
Whenever starting any new treatments it is always good to start with your family doctor and a complete physical. Just to rule out any medical condition that might contribute to your phobia. It is alsogood to keep your family doctor in the loop for all medical treatment and medications you are taking.
You write that you are seeing a psychologist, this is good. Continue to see her and work with her. It is not going to be easy, but nothing good comes easy. Don’t worry about the labels, what matters are as I have said; recognizing a problem and are working to correct it.
I know from personal experience that the road ahead is hard but what is waiting at the end of the road is worth working for. Feel free to contact me if I can be of any help as you work to overcome your phobia.
www.socialanxietysupport.com/
]
"Avoid people at all costs..."
"Don't like leaving my home..."
"Always worried..."
You pretty much just defined social anxiety right there. You've almost quoted the text book.
But the truth is, if your psychologist either doesn't feel they have enough information to place such a label on you OR doesn't think placing a label would be helpful to you... well, they are expert, not anyone here, not your mother or your friends either.
Take this question up the psychologist. Labels aren't really so important. What's important is getting the tools to fix something you know is causing problems in your life.
]
More Questions: |