Social Anxiety Troubles

[YouTubeBinger]

Truthfully, this is tough for me to do - coming on here like this in search of some way to fight this never-ending grasp my anxiety has on me. I've always been the hard-headed type who has greatly closed myself off to sharing my emotions throughout the years and I don't know why. Perhaps it's the feeling of placing my vulnerabilities out on the line that I'm afraid of.

I was technically diagnosed with social anxiety disorder in 2021 and have been put on medication to combat it, and while it does help tremendously to some extent - I still manage to revert back to my old ways as soon as I place myself among others. The thing that I feel most affects my social anxiety however is the fact that my voice trembles and I stutter over my sentences in the most basic and general of conversations, which translates to people that I'm shy and not well-rounded enough to fit in anywhere. This is the reason why I find more solace in writing as it helps me coordinate my thoughts to their full extent and I can actually hold meaningful conversations with others without shaking like a chihuahua every second. Essential tremor medication has been helping it somewhat, but I don't want to rely on medication for the rest of my life in order to "normally" function. I just want to go outside and converse with others as effortlessly as I see people around me do all the time.

I suppose with all of this I'm asking, are there any tips or tricks you guys can advise me to do to start getting more of a grasp on my anxious habits? I would greatly appreciate it

[IncognitoC]

Hello and welcome, I can suggest that you could try meditation and or grounding techniques, meditation is helpful as it helps you to focus and relax in a controlled way. I tend to use journaling as this helps me, I note down when I’m feeling down, angry or anxious and what I think is causing it. This can also help locating any patterns that might be there triggering episodes. Some people use this forum to journal as it helps them.

There are many people here who are supportive and helpful.

[Swilly97]

Hey youtubebinger, I get it. You're not alone. Besides the deep breathing, tapping, and grounding techniques-I recommend Emma on YouTube. You may have already come across her. She's super helpful to me, more than my previous therapist. Here's a link to her YouTube page:

youtube.com/@TherapyinaNuts...

If you haven't tried tapping or tuning up your vagus nerve, I highly recommend doing those. I found those on YouTube too. And they're easy and calming. Strengthening my vagus nerve functions have changed me for the better. I figure, if I can do this in bed, I'm in!

You're here too and it's helpful!

[Swilly97]

That method has saved me endless times. I love it!

[AnxiousSilver]

"1. What is the worst that could happen?"

2.What is the best thing that could happen?

3. What is the most likely thing that could happen?"

As somebody with Severe GAD, this sounds really good on paper, but IDK if I'm ready for this yet.

I struggle a lot with #2, and #3's answer (for me) usually mirror's #1.

I need to get better with this.

[Leighann91 in reply to AnxiousSilver]

Me and you both. I’ve gotten to where I can’t even look in one without it making so upset. I see one thing while everyone else sees another. Sometimes I’m like I know they lying! (About how I look.)Lol.

[AnxiousSilver]

I believe you, and I'm kinda stuck in that quicksand (at times) too.

[Swilly97]

Definitely helpful. Gosh yes, that's frightening!

[Swilly97]

Oh, I get it. I get foggy and forget what I was even saying. I'm sure I look unstable. 👀

[Shalomseeker]

Hi! I’m so sorry you feel ashamed about your anxiety manifesting in social settings! This is very normal though. One thing I would recommend is to get into a social group that is safe where you can practice expressing your feelings and words without any judgement and with people who are also struggling and are compassionate. A 12 step program like ACOA on line would be great I think! This is more for Adult Children of dysfunctional families not so much those struggling with addiction. But a lot of people in these groups have mental health issues. It’s a safe place to share verbally what you are going through. They have online zoom or phone if you can’t find a location in person!