social anxiety

[Oak7]

I am 35 and have struggled with severe social anxiety my whole life. I thought it would get better as I got older but has only worsened. It has definitely started to control my life. Ive quit good career jobs running from it and continue to struggle just doing simple task I know I can do but my mind and anxiety will not allow it. I’m at a breaking point for sure and reaching out for help. I know I can’t be the only one with these struggles and want to find help and direction. Success story’s.

[gajh]

Hello and Welcome. You have come to the right place for support.

[Oak7 in reply to gajh]

hello, I’m glad to hear I’ve come to the right place! Excited to talk to people that are going through similar struggles and receive advice on how to get it under control!

[gajh in reply to Oak7]

Well I have anxiety, depression, and agoraphobia. I have been here over one year. I have made some really great connections with people who understand and are supportive. I don't know where you are at with your social anxiety. I am still having a difficult time leaving the house by myself, but I am making slow and steady progress. I would be happy to share more if you can relate to where I am at at all. If not, hopefully you will connect with other people that you can relate to.

[worthytobeloved in reply to gajh]

I have always loved the kind, supportive replies you've given to people. Like you, I suffer from anxiety and depression, and was agorophobic for years. I also suffer from body dysmorphoc disorder, so I'm scared of people seeing me because I feel so ugly.

Do keep up your kind replies to people - you are a nice person, and you deserve a good life. Thank you for being you!

[gajh in reply to worthytobeloved]

Thank you for your kind words. I would be very interested in talking to you more. Please let me know if you want to talk.

[worthytobeloved in reply to gajh]

Hello. Thanks for getting in touch. I would love to talk more, but don't understand the 'chat' and 'pm' that people mention. Are we able to continue talking like this? (Sorry to be so dim)?

[gajh in reply to worthytobeloved]

We can definitely keep talking here if you would like. I am open to PM also. You would click on my username. At the top right hand there is a chat button. You click on that and you can send me a Private Message. Just let me know which you want to do.

[gajh in reply to worthytobeloved]

I am on my way to bed right now. I will check for a message from you tomorrow either here or in PM. Talk to you tomorrow. Good night.

[worthytobeloved in reply to gajh]

Hi. I hope you slept well. Are PM and 'chat' safe? I'm happy to keep on being in contact with you like this, but you may want to discuss private things you don't want anyone else to see.

[gajh in reply to worthytobeloved]

The difference with PM is that they are not moderated by HealthUnlocked. They are private between the two people. It is very nice if you want to discuss private things. I will send you a PM right now in case you do want to chat there. Otherwise, just respond here to this ok?

[Catt02]

Not the only, not around here. I've had social anxiety since childhood when my self-esteem tanked. In short it's ruined a love life, sabotaged a career, higher education. There are no fond memories.

[DeepSounds]

it was like that for me for a while I was really depressed and I still have anxiety it was hard for me to get through the morning as I was always anxious I found listening to rain sounds was the only thing that helps and still helps me and also knowing that I’m not alone that there ppl out there who are fighting just like me. God will and can get you through this trust in him

[quietmaroon4]

🙂Hello and welcome. I'm sorry to hear about your struggles with social anxiety -- I struggle with it too (not officially diagnosed though). But good on you for taking a step by reaching out for help. The community members here are compassionate and willing to listen. I wish you all the best and hope you continue taking steps to manage your anxiety. We're all going through this crap together. 🙂

[CL3V3R-G1RL]

Welcome to HU community

Sorry things have been rough. I, too, suffer from generalized anxiety and social anxiety.

I have overcome and relapse back into anxiety. Social anxiety has improved a lot. I can make phone calls to strangers.

I know how you feel when it comes to the guilt that is felt after anxiety gets the better of you. I have had anxiety keep me from doing things I wanted to do and then regretted it. I, still, sometimes do that. Then I think about it and go "Ooh it was so easy. I could have done that. Ugh"

If I may recommend a couple of books that have helped me understand my anxiety better and given me some insight and tools for coping with it. Dare by Barry McDonagh and Hope and Help for Your Nerves by Dr Claire Weekes

Sending you positive vibes 🫂❤️