Social anxiety

[Michael8072]

Hey everyone. Hope you all sunday has been good to you!

So I'm sad depressed and lonely. I'm seeing a therapist about the depression and reading books. Some of the things people say is maybe join some groups on meet up with activities you like. In my head it sounds like a great thing to do. I'm sure I could meet people that way too. But just thinking about talking to people and going. My anxiety kicks in and I think about talking to people and trying to strike up a conversation face to face and I start freaking out. I'm shy to. It just sucks cause i want to get out and do things but feelings keep me at bay.

I don't know if any of what I just said makes sense. It's been a long work day.

But if anyone understands or has gone through this and has some advice please feel free to get back to me.

Thanks. I have a lot of issues its crazy! I'm letting them out now and not keeping them hidden as much. I gotta get better.

[Ayla-Kat]

Hi, Michael. I know what you mean when you say that you have a lot to work on. Because of me GAD, it makes my life difficult.

I'm trying to go the no med route as well. I had meds but I had to wean off of them because I lost insurance. They were helpful because it took away the edge. But I didn't have feelings. Just be able to function so I could do my stressful job without emotion.

I have social anxiety as well. People would not think I would have. But I trained myself when I was younger to socialize. I read books like topics to talk about and questions to ask.im still uncomfortable and I overcompensate sometimes by talking too much.

I know that you can find a meetup group in your area. Perhaps finding same interests. I have a friend who will play board games at meet ups. At least you have the game to talk about so you are not just staring at each other.

I know I keep mentioning YouTube. But they have so many helpful videos. There are socializing tips.

In terms of finding other people. Maybe start by finding people with the same interests. On meetup.com there are a lot of groups you can join. Maybe check out the local comedy shows and see if anyone will go with you.

I'm glad you are not bottling it up anymore. You are working on yourself and that's great! Plus, you can support yourself with your job. An accomplishment. You have some things going for you. Now just come up with your goals. And take care of yourself. When you have the right tools it will make you stronger.

😻Ayla-Kat

[Michael8072 in reply to Ayla-Kat]

Hey Ayla-Kat

I try to go the non medication route just cause of all the side effects. But I could understand having to take them if it was real bad. I got diagnosed with ibs at 15 and alot of stuff was happening. Was put on meds but with all the side effects my parents decided to take me off them. The side effects were awful and I'm glad we did that. I'm better now. I've changed my diet which has helped alot. But whenever I'm nervous I'm always making sure I know where the bathroom is. That's the part I can't stand. It has definitely effected my life and still does. Public restrooms freak me out to so I try to limit that the best I can. I couldn't imagine having no emotion, I could see that helping with the stressful job did it find its way into your non working time? I would think that would be tough? I hope the non med ways are working and your transition back to work goes well.

No meet up groups close by that interest me. The ones I think about are further away. I'll check it out again and see if i can push myself to do one.

It's cool you read books on how to overcome social anxiety. Asking the right questions and the safe topics always seem like a good thing.

Thanks. I'm gonna continue to work on myself for sure! Hope things start looking up for you and you have a great week! Thanks for everything!

Michael

[Ayla-Kat in reply to Michael8072]

Hi, Michael. I just wanted to wish you a good week. I was talking to my niece and she was talking about social anxiety. It's quite common for introverted people. I am introverted. Well, I gave her some techniques. Some of them include topics, ask questions, have follow up questions. Ask for suggestions or advice. Check out YouTube videos. I told her to find nice people who will make her feel welcome and not judge her.

I feel better helping people. I find it easier than helping myself. It's always harder to work on yourself.

Well, I thought I'd share with you an exercise that I thought helpful for depression.identify 10 activities that are important to you and what would make your life more meaningful and richer.then you rate it 1 to 10. 1 being least difficulty to accomplish and 10 most difficult to accomplish. Find ways to achieve these activities. Also it is important to plan activities for the week, so you have something to look forward too. It can be little things.

Have a good evening, my friend.

😻Ayla-Kat

[Michael8072 in reply to Ayla-Kat]

Hi Ayla-Kat!

Not only is it harder to work on yourself your also the hardest on yourself as well!!

Thank you I will try to focus on that and see if i can come up with a list!

I agree. I always look forward to things that I have planned. It's rare but I certainly do.

How was your day?