Social anxiety

[Bazainga]

Hi I'm new here. I came looking for help or support. I suffer a lot with depression and anxiety, especially social anxiety. I don't have any friends. I am awkward around people because I get so nervous when I have to interact. Just the thought of talking with people makes my heart race. When I do have to talk to people I stutter or completely forget what I was saying. My voice even shakes when I'm talking. I can't look anybody in the eye, always at the floor or off in another direction.

Sorry for the I'm not sure if this is what I'm supposed to do here. I just want help! I'm so tired of being like this. I watch all the other people around talking and laughing. They make it look so easy, as easy as breathing. Why can't I be like that? Why is it so hard for me? I just don't understand.

[bonkers65]

Hi Bazainga. I also have social anxiety (as well as depression and General Anxiety Disorder), so I know how you feel. Have you tried therapy? I will be seeing a new therapist soon and I'm very nervous because I'm afraid I won't know what to say and be too quite. But I'm sure they are used to that. I hope things get better for you.

[Bazainga in reply to bonkers65]

bonkers65 thank you for your reply. It helps to know that I'm not in this alone. I think that I would benefit from therapy, but sadly I can't afford it. I've come to accept that this is who I am, I just have to deal with it. It's so frustrating, it would be so simple if every conversation was done through text or email.

Also I wish you the best of luck with your new therapist. I'm sure (like you said) he or she is a trained professional and deals with shy people on a daily basis.

[jesca18]

May I ask your age? If you’d rather not say, my apologies

[Bazainga in reply to jesca18]

I'm 31 years old.

[Tbine]

Hello Bazainga, yes you came to the right place,. Welcome. I had SAD which progressed into full blown agoraphobia and my insurance did not cover the CBT therapy which would of helped me . The only way i could ever overcome this crippling disorder was when i hit rock bottom,. I knew i couldn't go on being terrified by my obvious symptoms of intense anxiety or awkwardness around people. My most problematic symptom was profuse sweating. I would ALWAYS break into a profuse cold sweat that i could not hide because it would bead up on my forehead! I just got so angry that i would tell myself " i have to be able to show people my imperfections and be okay with myself afterward!" I knew this was my ONLY WAY OUT of this. I noticed that with every time i was able to do this without care, the easier it got. But it comes down to total acceptance and a healthy self-love. Tell yourself very adamantly "that no matter if i sweat, shake, stutter, blush, etc. then that's what I'll HAVE TO DO!" and KNOW that you'll be alright IF it does happen. Make it a challenge to yourself, and reward yourself every time you beat your own challenge. If i could do it, ANYONE CAN. GOOD LUCK to you.