Social anxiety

[Rummage]

Honestly I'd like to learn about others experiences with social anxiety. I feel that I might have social anxiety for most of my life and it's really been holding me back even my childhood. I've always been really shy even coming from a small space everyone defines me as "quiet" to the point some people just ignore me in a way. I thought these feeling were just situational but after moving away to college things have not changed. I feel I worry too much about what people think of me in ever single situation t the point it's not normal. I dont think I'm as bad as I used to be but it still disrupts my life. I haven't been able to make friends znz I've been finding it very lonely. I haven't ever been checked out to see if I do have anxiety and I'm honestly afraid to because as soon as I do I well no longer be "normal" I do not want to have a disease and honestly the thought of having to even talk to a councilor scares me even just passing a school councilor in the hall intimidates me because I feel like they could notice if there is something wrong with me. Honestly I think this anxiety could very well be genetic as two of my family members are exactly like me if not worst but they have not been diagnosed either. I would just really like to hear about others experiences to help m understand if I too may struggle with social anxiety.

[Hidden]

Just because society has created a label for something (only in the past 100 years or so btw) doesn't mean you are not normal or are somehow diseased. At the same time taking medication really does help a lot of people, myself included, so don't count that out as an option.

I have had very similar experiences to yours throughout my life. I create these stories in my head about something I said and what someone else thought of me because of it. Often, it turns out not to be true... Then I feel like garbage because I made up this imaginary thing. That's just the top of the iceberg but I don't want to turn this into a novel. I'd be happy to share more if that would help, let me know.

Be good to yourself. Relax and allow your "imperfections". We are all just humans trying to get through this crazy thing called life. Remember, you are not alone in this. 🤗

[aaronm]

Social anxiety isn't really an issue for me but all the others make up for it. Once I get a thought in my head it compounds with another and another. I can't stop them and before long I feel like I'm circling a drain.

I recommend you start with counseling. They may suggest medications or they might just help you with coping strategies but either way you'll feel so much better.