Thrown into a new social situation for 2 weeks straight cured my social anxiety

[Fuunycat]

You know when you're told by an annoying parent to just go outside and make friends. I went on a semi-religious trip with a bunch of people age 16-21 when I 18. I had severe social anxiety after having gone to a new school and not being allowed in for the first three month due to the delights of ablism. So I had 0 friends.

I went on this trip with my sister though we were split for some activities as I was with the 18+ lot. I didn't make any great friends but there were rules like you had to sit with different people at dinner every night and I got to go to a quiet version of a club with people I trusted.

It was weird. I sort of figured out socialising and because it had my sister and her friends I didn't feel completely lost. But I could also be myself and learnt small talk by helping the sick but also meeting the other 18+ people on these nights out.

When I went back to school (I am a couple of years behind) I used these skills to make friends. Friends in which I still have now. I have continuously made friends.

It is still weird. I went to therapy before and after. The therapist thought she had cured me of this (which I let her believe).

I currently go to therapy for other problems including anxiety but I just so surprised at how much this little trip helped me.

Any thought on why this helped me would be grateful to hear your opinion.

[Isinatra]

One thing that helped your situation is that you found that you enjoyed helping other people. A sort of common ground you found which helped you connect. Such a simple thing that turns into something so profound. It’s very heartening to hear a story like yours.❤️🏄‍♀️

[hypercat54]

I think it's kill or cure. I taught myself to make friends too by watching popular people and learning social cues. Also I left home at 18 and always had to support myself so was forced out of any social awkwardness.

Good for you.

[Hidden]

You were forced to mingle. Your parents helped you, many people when they feel thy can escape social gatherings never make it, but bcz u also felt comfortable, you felt welcomed. Religious groups have the power to welcome and accept people which sometimes release those feelings of fear. I am happy this helped you.

[Fitzy110]

That’s great news the trip really helped.

I could have done with something like that, even if I would’ve hated it at the time.