How do I overcome my social anxiety?

[dawn8]

Hello! I'm new here.

I usually have some mild form of social anxiety. It's gotten bad recently because I'm currently living with three other people, and will be doing so for the next few months. I like to have my own space, yet I feel inclined to join into conversations or I'll feel left out. I'm often quite distracted at times which makes me lag behind conversations or unknowingly block out these conversations. These slowly adds up and I feel like they are getting closer and I'm being the odd one out. I'm quiet by nature and it feels like they are putting in less effort to try to talk to me too. I am trying to be more proactive in starting conversations but it feels like a lacklustre effort.

Please kindly give me some advice, I would greatly appreciate.

[designguy]

Hello Dawn, I had social anxiety disorder for years and am now recovered. Here is my response to another member with this same question. Hope it helps you.

Social anxiety disorder is treatable and you can definitely recover but it is up to you. The best way is to find a therapist or center that specifically treats social anxiety disorder. Usually they also incorporate group therapy which is valuable so you can see how common this disorder is and how others learn and deal with it. Don't waste your time working with a general therapist, you need to learn specific skills and understanding to recover from social anxiety. If there aren't any specific social anxiety therapists in your area there are some good online programs available. Look at the socialanxietyinstitute.org and overcomingsocialanxiety.com, committing to and making the effort to recover is totally worth having a life.