Social Anxiety

[Elleann725]

I have always been a bit nervous and self conscious around people and social situations, but lately, it’s crazy. I’m usually at home now, as I am not working, I study from home, and I’m a stay at home mom. And when faced with a choice to go out and socialize, I almost always chose not to. Even when my parents ask me to go out and grab a bite to eat, I’d rather stay home. I don’t know if this is social anxiety blowing up, or even me just having anxiety about leaving the house entirely. I always have low energy, and when I know I have to go somewhere I get anxious about how I’ll have the energy to get through that situation, and will avoid having to do anything unless it’s completely necessary. I feel like I’ve become a prisoner. I have no life outside of my house. I will sometimes go grocery shopping or shop a little bit I make no other effort to do anything. Anybody else feel this way? What can I do? I don’t want to feel so lonely anymore.

[Hidden]

First of all—- you reached out for help and that was an important first step. Well done! I’m proud of you.

Second, I feel like this almost always. I stay to myself at all costs it’s just really easier —- too easy sometimes

[BlueSky125]

Yes I can relate to what you are saying. The desire to withdrawal and avoid social situations can get worse overtime. The thing I’ve found is a middle ground between just staying in all the time and feeling like your being forced to do something by others. It’s ok to say no to what others are asking you to do if you feel it’s to much for you. Don’t beat yourself up about that. I try to find something I can do everyday that gets me out of my comfort zone , but it’s not too overwhelming. That’s seems to be a good middle ground for me and I’ve made some good progress in term of certain things not causing me as much distress as they use to.

[Michael8072]

Hi Elleann725

I can relate to this as well. I’ve stayed to myself for quite a period of time until I got to a point where I wanted to make some changes. I find it not easy for me to make friends and in general to talk to people. Sometimes especially if I like someone I just can’t think of anything to say.

As blue sky said I started to do some things to get me out of my comfort zone. I asked to do some different things at work that would make me see more and talk to more people.

Maybe you can do some small things to get you out of your comfort zone and just see what happens.

[dragonsnowball]

Yes I have had social anxiety and depression for as long as I can remember. Medication and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy have really helped me, along with support groups like this and some I've found on Facebook (just search social anxiety, there are some really great groups and it allows you to "socialize" and connect with others without leaving the house lol).

As for CBT, if you cant get into a therapist for whatever reason, there are some great books you can find on amazon. I also joined an online service called scribd (you can get a month for free). It's like an audible.com, unlimited books and ebooks for a monthly subscription fee and they have a lot of great resources for social anxiety and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

It takes some work but social anxiety is completely manageable! I hope you find what works for you!

[Ak907]

I agree with what others have said above. do little things here and there that will get you out of your comfort zone little by little. and stay consistent with it, secluding yourself from others and undesired situations can worsen things over time. Something that can help is going to an event (store, party etc.) with someone you know/are close with. In a way that is like having a little peace of home with you wherever you go and can really help prevent/calm down that fight or flight feeling you get when in public.