Social Anxiety? Or shyness?

Question:

My behavior has caused me to miss out on meaningful relationships with most of my own family members, it has prevented me from making new friends, and connecting with co-workers. I feel very out of place, and its because I've allowed myself to be for years.

I'm very paranoid that people are judging me or insulting me, and I'm very self-conscience. Can anyone relate?

Answers:
I know how you feel, I feel it myself. My shrink says part of it is shyness, part of it is self-esteem, part of it is not trusting others due to having been repeatedly 'let down' by my loved ones while growing up, part of it is due to the way I was raised. You have to take baby steps..force yourself to do things you normally hesitate to do, like go to lunch with a co-worker. It's hard, I won't lie. But in time it gets easier.

I can relate very well.
Although, I don't have co-workers, since I don't have a job, I still do feel as if people are judging me and always looking at physical features.
I dislike going out places such as the mall, and avoid going out with friends.
My parents are demanding a change in this style of mine, which I feel very uncomfortable about and should learn on my own, not by being forced. They even considered sending me to a program/session that deals with this anxiety.
Anyways, I don't have a solution, but just replying to that I too, relate to this situation. Good luck!

Yes, I definitely can. It sounds like you also suffer from low self-esteem in addition to shyness.

First, work on your self-esteem. Do something that is empowering. Exercise works for me, because it helps me feel strong physically and mentally.

Second, put yourself in social situations, even though it may be awkward. You would be surprised how many people who seem like outgoing, life-of-the-party individuals, are actually a bit shy themselves. Everyone feels a little awkward in new situations. After a while, however, you will feel more brave.

It may also help to talk to a therapist. If you are indeed experiencing social anxiety, he/she will be able to help you find ways to deal with that.

Good luck!

Yes I can relate to thinking that people are talking about me. Although I'm sorry I don't have a great solution for it. I've actually structured my life so that I would have less situations where I am forced to be with people for any length of time. There is a free phone support group and I think the website is socialphobicsanonymous.org. Sometimes people show up and relate their experiences that sound like yours.

See both subjects, at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris... on page 9.

Yes i definitely can relate. I've had this problem since childhood. It has affected my family life, intimacy with past boyfriends, I am no longer able to be employed due to increased self consciousness. I'm also a single mom and i find it hard communicating with my children's teachers when the need be. It's also caused severe depression at times. I'm taking anti-anxiety medication for 2yrs and it's not really helping.

It's so crazy that ugly people, in my opinion somtimes have more confidence and self assurance then beautiful people. I will never understand that! But I hope one day you will get over that because you are an amazing person that needs to be shown to the world not just people you feel comfortable in front of.

Social Anxiety? Or shyness?

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