Social anxiety: How long until you felt better? Anyone who relates? Venting

[Tiredcatlady]

Hi everyone! 🌸

I got diagnosed with social anxiety approximately one year ago after suffering from it for about seven years at least and I’ve been doing cognitive behavioural therapy ever since. And it’s helped. I making progress.

But it’s very, very, very slow. Today is one those days; I’m desperate to know when I’ll finally feel free and like myself around other people again. I’m just so over feeling inferior and insecure all the time and missing out on life because of it.

I’ve had social anxiety all throughout my university- years and sometimes I get so sad thinking about all the fun opportunities I missed out on and how I never simply enjoyed being young.

I haven’t had close friends in a very long time, I don’t have close friends now; despite the fact that actually- if I may say so myself - I’m funny, lighthearted and I like to be a bit cheeky and to joke around. But whenever I’m around other people I shut down and I turn into a grave, silent, serious person.

It’s a shame, I feel like I lock this huge part of myself away, it feels unjust and cruel to her. She’s such a sociable, adventurous thing and still she’s getting put away violently again and again, when she has every right to be here and wants to be here so badly, too.

The only exception to this is my boyfriend and it’s still fascinating to me how he ever got me to let go and be myself around him.

I know I need to be patient, I know that it will get better and I just need to be consistent with therapy, but today is just one of those days, as I said. I needed to vent a bit - thanks if you made it this far. 😊

Is there anyone who can relate? How long until you finally felt somewhat liberated? Would love to hear about other people’s experiences, it always helps with feeling less alone.

Have a marvellous day everyone ✨

[MSJT]

Hi, this is exactly me too. I don't go to therapy but have struggled with being around big groups of people ever since my daughter was born. She is now 12. When there is a big event coming up in my life I worry about it so much as I know will feel overwhelmed and I spend the next few weeks really panicking over it. There isn't much I can help you with but I just wanted to let you know that you are not on your own.

[Tiredcatlady in reply to MSJT]

Dear MSJT, thank you for you reply! I’m sorry that you’re experiencing the same thing, but it’s always so nice to know that we’re not alone! It’s tough, but I’m sure one we’ll feel better 🌸