Social anxiety- help??
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Answers:
It does seem like you have a condition called social phobia. It is where pple do not like to go into crowds and try to avoid them, leading to a lot of avoidance behaviours. Unfortunately apart from prescription drugs, there seems to be only behaviour modification that can calm you down. SUch behavior therapy involves exposure therapy, where you will be led into social situations and be encouraged to interact with pple in general and avoid going into avoidance behaviours.
I suppose alcohol can act as a disinhibitor and provide more confidence, but i would not encourage widespread use of that, as it can lead to dependance and addiction later.
Hope this helps. :D
Other Answers:
try some herbal treatments..these natural stuff...have you herad of kalsm...people say they work , but i haven't tried it though
i have it too
but it doesnt bother me
just talk to someone or go to a therapist
If you want to avoid drugs, you'll have to work on your cognition. Understand that the essence of social anxiety is the fear of being evaluated, and found lacking. You need to develop the attitude that you're as good as anyone else, and they have no right to judge you! That will work better than drugs. Until it does, take a deep breath in a stress situation and force yourself to relax.
There are herbal remedies that can help. Valerian root is good, but it has an awful smell, so brush your teeth after you take it. I like Kava - you might have to go to a healthfood store to find it, but it works very well - takes the edge off without making you sleepy.
if it's truly social anxiety, the most effective thing for you to do WOULD be to see a doctor. It's one thing to need to calm down (teas, aromatherapy, baths...) but if this is a serious problem that prevents you from wanting to do anything that requires interacting with people, it's something that'll stay with you your whole life and it'll really prevent you from enjoying yourself at things. I'd go to a doctor and get it really treated. something like this could really affect you seriously your entire life. it's not normal to avoid situations that require interacting with people b/c you get so anxious about it.... good luck.
Try St. John's Wort for about a month or so. You'll feel less stressed quickly, but over time it will improve your mood significantly.
Also, start hanging out with as many friends as you can. This will help to take your mind off of your fears/anxiety (which you soon will learn are irrational and that you had nothing to be afraid about in the first place).
I don't know of anything over the counter for anxiety, but I do know that relaxation exercises calm me down. Try taking a few deep breaths and let the air out slowly each time. Tense your muscles and then relax them (start with your toes and work your way up the body). Close your eyes and imagine your floating on a cloud, then imagine the cloud turned to thick marshmellow cream and make your body sink down into it. Listen to calming music. Try anything that will help you relax. It helps to know what you're anxious about to - giving a speech, getting a shot, going on a date with someone you don't know, etc. Picture the situation in your mind the way you want it to go. I'm a Christian, so prayer always helps me. Good luck!
I get a little overwhelmed in crowds myself (which is why I'm on the Internet talking about this and not at a support group. Ha ha. Please excuse my lame humor disorder, as well.). Anyway, my husband is totally the opposite - he's great in big crowds. I love going places with him because it really makes me feel like the attention and the pressure is off of me. I feel protected and secure knowing that my "human shield" is there. Of course that's not the main reason I married him, but what an added bonus it has been.
So the point is, maybe when you have to run these errands at the store, or doctor's office or be in any place where there is a lot of people and activities going on, you should take some one with you - a "human shield." Some one who can be a distraction for you, you know, help take your eyes off your surroundings and make things easier to take in little by little. Some one strong, witty, and makes you feel good and comfortable about yourself.
Okay, that's more why I married him. But really there are lots of people who have been there for me: friends, family members, elderly people are the best. You might even get some candy out of it.
Keep your chin up, take a deep breath, and thank God for another beautiful day. You're doing pretty good ; )
You do not need drugs you needs confidence!!
My 18 year old son has the same problem, and it has affected his education & self esteem. I was told about vitamin B-12, and it worked. When I see that he is beginning to hide again, I just tell him he some vitamins, & he takes it. It's not a miracle cure but it has helped, but it takes about a week. He has taken prescription meds. and never again. He said they made him feel invinsable & wanted to fight anyone that looked at him the wrong way. (and sometimes he did) Do a lot of research before taking any prescription meds.
Go to your doctors please! I suffer horribly from social anxiety. You say you can't go for this particular situation but when it is over and you have suffered again you'll want very badly to get help so do it. I have been on Paxil cr for 4 years and it works after about three to for weeks if you take it every day! Four years ago I would not have dreamed of even asking or answering these questions even though no one knows me out there. I have tried many different meds including addictive meds but for me paxil works best. No side effects. Keep in mind your body is different than mine. See a good doctor who is knowledgeable about mood altering Meds.
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