Do I have social anxiety disorder?
Question:
Does it sound like i have social anxiety disorder?
Thank you for your time.
Answers:
Hi, sorry to hear you are feeling so bad. Yes, it sounds like Social Anxiety. The following steps will eliminate (or at least significantly reduce) your panic attacks (and can be followed without the knowledge of your doctor or parents if you prefer):
1.Breathe properly - if you control your breathing, you control panic. As soon as you notice the signs of anxiety, check your breathing: breathe in slowly through your nose pushing your tummy out (to the count of 5 or so). Breathe out slowly and for a bit longer (to the count of 7 or so) through your mouth. Do not breathe rapidly or shallowly (in the chest area). This will soon restore the balance of oxygen and you will feel a lot better.
2. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy! CBT is proven to be the most effective thing for panic attacks and social anxiety. It takes a bit of work, but it is super effective. (After 15 years of panic attacks, mine stopped completely). You can speak to your doctor about taking a course or you can take a course for free online at: www.livinglifetothefull.com
3. Try relaxation exercise tapes (progressive muscular relaxation). They really help if you practise often enough. You can get free downloads online, e.g. http://www.studentservices.utas.edu.au/c...
With each step practise makes perfect. (i.e. practise the steps every day, not just when you are feeling bad). I hope you feel better soon. Best of luck!
I take Zoloft for my anxiety disorder- it doesn't make you feel "funny" ask your doc about it, it may work for you too.
Im sorry to hear this and at the same time Im kinda releived cause I have a 13 year old son who I beleive has social anxiety, and it breaks my heart to see him put his head down when someone talks to him or when he clams up during conversations with adults or even kids he does,nt even know, I dont have the answer for you but I do have a few suggestions, you may want to go see a doctor and get a referal for mental health, they see people living in fear all the time, and this is nothing to be ashamed of it happens to the best of us, take it from me, cause I to suffer from this horrible disorder, but I have learned to tackle it head on and I wont let my fears take control of my life and I hope that one day you will do the same.
There are plenty of medications that help issues like these , it does sound like you may have some kind of disorder I have similiar problems.I took myself off of it a few years ago, I am a lot better now!! I would go to a doctor and tell him exactly what is going on .Goodluck
Yes; it does.. Don't force yourself into situations , go very slowly, until you feel comfortable.
You should definately try counceling. I am almost certain that every college offers free counceling, and it's confidential, which is great if you don't want your parents to know about it. You can even get medication without your parents knowing about it. Be prepared for a councelor that doesn't know what he/she is talking about since research on this disorder is relatively modern and many councelors and/or psychologists don't know much about it. However, your councelor may be able to refer you to a professional. Also, don't be so quick to start the medication. Anti-anxiety medication can often be addictive and come along with side effects such as an increase in weight, and apathy. Try counceling without medication first, and if that doesn't seem to be working try a medication that you are sure you can trust.
It might be helpful to go over the signs and symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder. Do you feel isolated and alone? Do you have difficulty making eye contact and meeting new people? Once you understand a little more about Social Phobia you can make the decision to seek help from a professional. Your family doctor is a good place to start. To learn more about Social Anxiety/Social Phobia please check the source below.
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