overcome my social anxiety

speaking to the other people. suddenly I realized, that I can ask and they will answer me (probably). I think that a lot of people have sometimes a feeling, that they don’t know what to say. And what happens if two of a kind are standing and trying to discuss together? Previously I used to think that I’m the one who should talk and if the conversation doesn’t work, than it’s obviously my fault. But usually there are at least two people having a chat…

It was a strange overnight thing. All the things I kept getting told suddenly clicked at once, but it wasn’t a conscious thing. I just realized I was fine all of a sudden.

I am 20 years old and I have strong social anxiety. I used to play hockey, have friends, etc but for the past four years i just became more and more reserved, until i finally dropped out of school, stopped playing hockey, and did not stay stay in contact with my friends. I deeply regret doing this now, but i do have a supporting (but not completely understanding) girlfriend who is trying to get me to go out places. I also have a job where i interact with people, its just when i have to go to different places such as out to dinner or shopping that i get extremely nervous, and feeling somewhat sick. Any comments on how i can work on getting more comfortable in different places?

i have suffered with this since childhood, i think the cause was a parent who was afflicted with perfectionism and low self esteem, making me feel inadequate in many ways.
the anxiety took different levels throughout my life, sometimes it was very mild, sometimes disabling to the point that i would not go out, or attempt to attend a social function, drive 40km to get there and turn straight back.
what really helped me overcome this is YOGA, subtle changes over months went first almost unnoticed, now i WANT to be out there.
i no longer fear crowds, busy places, new people and situations, i am perfectly content going out on my own and just take it as it comes.
PHEW!

Living in a foreign country, working now in a company where I meet new people and new situations everyday has certainly helped me fighting my social anxiety. I don’t panic anymore at the thought of going to the post office, but I still feel very uncomfortable talking in groups and even more in front of a public, and avoid it as much as possible. Answering the phone is also a big problem, my hands start shaking when I don’t recognize the number ! So still some work for 2008 !

It’s taken me years to get to where I am today, but I’m totally comfortable with either being by myself or being in a room full of strangers.

I’m still quiet and reserved at times, but that’s just a part of my personality. Of course, I have moments where I’m totally judgmental, but I’ve learned to just not care anymore and just go with the flow. I think I still have some issues with being an overall approachable person, but I’ve taken huge steps forward in the last year and I’m just really glad that I’m not socially awkward around people anymore.

I’ve had horrible social anxiety since I was a little girl, but it’s gotten worse over the past two years. I had close friends and all, but now I’m basically alone. The only two people I’m close to are my boyfriend and best friend, who’s his cousin. This year, my senior year, has been the loneliest of my life. The more people I distance myself from, the more isolated I feel. I have no close girlfriends, which is extremely lonely, and I’m terrified of getting close to people, since whenever I put my trust in people, they just screw me over. I have no idea what to do about my social anxiety. I’m seeing a therapist for depression, but he doesn’t seem to recognize the social anxiety problems that I have.

people still annoy me but atleast now i deal with it a bit better.

what a difference a year can make. Getting my residence meant i didn’t view everything as tansient, something i’d have to leave behind, so getting to know people seemed worthwhile. I felt worthwhile too, and i think for me that was at the root of the problem. So, over a year on now, i think i’m back to the person i was before.

I have terrible Social Anxiety. Most days I’m terrified to leave the house. I’m scared of getting a job, even though I’ve had one before, because I’m worried about the interview. I don’t even know if I could get out of the house to go to work everyday.

Alot of the time I’m scared to call anyone on the phone, or even respond to IMs or emails. I just think everyone will think I’m stupid.

When people come over I freak out for a few hours before. Even people that I know. I worry that the house isn’t clean enough or that I’m not dressed right. What will I say to them? What if they don’t like me?

The only reason I even have friends now is because of my boyfriend. Without him, I just stay inside and avoid the world. Even if I make plans with people I’ll cancel at the last minute. I’m just so terrified of people.

I know it’s stupid and my fears aren’t justified but I still can’t shake them.