Living Abroad and Social Anxiety

[Ming]

This is probably one of my biggest decisions and risks I have taken so far. I came to England on my own nearly 9 years ago, and I have to say that I really enjoy living and studying here. However, my social anxiety does kick in from time to time and I do occasionally make up excuses for not going out and avoiding people. Sometimes I do this just to avoid conversations or seeing people. Do you do the same?

Care to share your living abroad experience?

[Yankee_Doodle]

I moved to England 8 years ago and can relate to your experience. Whilst I wouldn't say that I'm a particuarly anxious person in most social situations, adapting to a new culture and way of life can make socialising difficult at times. Thankfully, I've found a great group of friends that I feel I can be myself with now, which makes all the difference.

[Chilean_Gringa]

All the time. I moved to Chile about 4 years ago, got married soon after arriving here and now have a child. My husband is a really sociable guy with lots of friends but I feel like I'm always trying to avoid meeting up with them. Which is ironic as I'm super lonely and in desperate need to practice my Spanish, but the social phobia makes any event unbearable. I'm just so awkward and embarrassed that I can't communicate very well and always worried I'll be judged negatively.