Social Anxiety As A Musician

[Chocoholic_18_x]

I know I have posted about this topic before, but it is just still hindering my life so much when it comes to my career. I feel like the pandemic might be playing a part in this “antisocial” behavior as well, but I have progressively suffered with social anxiety since I was around 12 due to bullying, so it’s definitely the social anxiety.

The thing is, I believe that I’m a very creative person and I have a lot to offer in this business. I have had some success this year as I’ve released 2 songs that have gotten quite a lot of plays on Spotify and YouTube, and have also gotten featured in 2 small magazines, so this is the best year in terms of success, and I am very grateful! However, I want to set myself New Years resolutions, including doing more things such as performing at shows and festivals etc.., but when it comes to meeting up with/hanging out with producers, music video creators, fellow musicians etc.., that scares the sh*t out of me!

Now you’re probably wondering how I was able to have 2 songs and a music video if I’m too scared to network with people? And my answer to you, I am able to produce songs on my laptop and I am very good at it, and I have a video camera at my house so I was able to use that for music videos. I also did all the promotion on my songs, so I do work hard and do a lot myself, but I really want to start collaborating with other people, firstly to just get to know people and build relationships, and secondly it could potentially lead to something bigger. But I’m a terrified of doing that, because in the past, I’ve had people be very patronizing and belittling towards me, since I come across shy and quiet in social situations so they’ve acted like they could push me around and bully me, and that’s unfortunately led me to where I am right now. Also, even though I’m shy when I’m in social situations, I become very confident when I’m on stage and that’s where I feel the most comfortable... but I get people that meet me off stage and will ask things like “how can you sing like that on a stage when you’re so shy?” Or “You’re so outgoing onstage, why can’t you be the same offstage?” And it just frustrates the hell outta me, like how am I supposed to answer that? I don’t know. Ugh.

But it is really stopping me from reaching my full potential and it’s really affecting my life, both personally and career-wise. Also because I find it hard to get close to people, I really want to make friends and connections in the industry but I always feel like I can’t and I’m not good enough. I always feel like they’ll be smarter than me and know more about the industry than me. So yes, I want to release music and build an audience, but I want to conquer this so I can make my dreams come true, as I do find myself sometimes fantasizing about living a good life, but it’s all in my head and not real, so I want to make it real by working on myself!

[Hidden]

You need to write songs that show your true nature and expressing your innermost thoughts which will help you deal with them and give you confidence

[Hidden]

I think it's awesome you have that talent.. And it's so cool you have produced your own songs. I don't know what to say about dealing with social anxiety, except to keep practicing. It probably won't go away any time soon, but maybe you will learn to work with what you've got and not let it hold you back. Remember to accept yourself the way you are, don't try to fit yourself into someone else's conception of what an artist should be.

[Hidden]

Hello

Many people in the past who where gifted suffered Mental Illness so you are not alone there. Your condition is possibly the answer you need to understand. It is a gift to you, if you can understand that you will move on and divert your thoughts to your gift you will understand what you need to do in this life.

My depression also was caused by bullying in the early days before I became disabled. I did however have things I enjoyed and now since I retired has granted made me insular I find I can just get on with my enjoyment without any distractions.

It would be sad if you never understood your feelings or learn how to pass through them. Your interest is your tool sent to help you

BOB

[Baldy70]

Sweet orange essential oil helps me ...maybe a little on the wrist or sole of feet with a carrier oil or warm goat milk and even cherries/juice may help