Social Anxiety

Social Anxiety questions and answers

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Q: social anxiety>>>>>>>>>>>>>>?
Pll with social anxiety? do you sometimes feel like you live in a h*ll hole like sometimes actually most i feel like my life is meaningless and i hear the phrase so many times live rather than exsist and i can only cry b/c im trying so hard to chage and i feel like im still in square one..while every1 is enjoying there life having bf and partying im still....just.......there and i hate every minute of it...it relly does suck....i ask my frinds if they arent busy and they always are,and i feel left out and lonely...this is the worst feeling in the world ..i try to stay positive but some days i just feel relli sad b/c im like this...out of all the people in the world why did i have to have selective mutism...why me...why cant i be happy...i pray to gad so he can help me...but it seems i don't get much help and i wonder if my life is doomed to be this way until i pass on ....and if so whats the reason of living...dnt woorry im suicidal or what eve. i couldnt think of taking my own life..its just my life is kinda depressing ..ive made drastic changes..and improved alot but i stil feel left out :( ...dont tell my ...or lecture me on what to do i already know what to do and im doin gthem im in clubs i strike up conversations in fact i met 2 pll last week...and i even talked to them w/ out hestitating its just..why can't i be blessed w/ loving friends who are happy to see me and go out w/ me and have a wonderful bf...why me of all people on the face of the earth why me...why do i have sm...:( 20 hours ago - 1 week left to answer. Additional Details ya i kno ...sometimes i wonder if god hates us..maybe thats why he gave us social anxiety :9 i have a list of other things i'd rather be than social anxiety...id rather be in a wheel chair...id rather becolor blind...id rather be 16 & pregnant...i'd rather be gay even or ven homeless @ times/...b/c SA is f*cking un fair..u dn't even ask for it ..it just comes to you..and thast what i hate the most :( 19 hours ago

A: I completely disagree with you that you need a boyfriend to live. I, and almost all of my friends have never had a boyfriend and we are completely fine with it. And wtf partying? How is getting drunk and being a sl*t going to make you happy? Where I live there are plenty of people with various disadvantages: mental disorders, speech deficiencies, physical handicaps, orphans who live in shelters, homosexuals, colorblindness, whatever. I know I personally wouldn't care if someone I knew had selective mutism. But we try to accept them all. I'm sorry you don't live in a similar society. However, I do know that I have a friend whose brother is in college and she says it is AMAZING. Apparently everyone there is very accepting and create a community sort of relationship. It's better than high school, so know that's coming. Tip: I used to be deathly shy as well. But as I overcame my fear and started to accumulate more friends I realized that shy people were often ostracized not because other people didn't like them. It's because they're so self conscious they don't try to join them. Don't even worry for a second if they think you're weird. Even if they do at first often times they will come to accept you and like you for your quirks.

Q: What should I do about my social anxiety - about to apply to universty?
Am planning to apple to medical school at oxford or cambridge in december but i am suffering from quite bad social anxiety disorder. I never speak unless sum1 talks 2 me and am really anxious in class and around people . I need to start more extra curricular activites, volunterring, work experience etc but my social anxiety makes this so difficult. What should I do ?

A: Try to force yourself to think about it so much, like think about something else..try talking to yourself, and tell yourself "you can do it" over and over inside your head..and try to make overcoming your fears one of your goals. Just think about this whats the worst thing that could happen if your put yourself out there, not everyone will always like you, but so what who cares about everyone, and if anything happens people are usually so worried about there own problems they forget about others..You can do it I believe in you..Remember u only live once u mind as well make the best of it, dont have anything like anxeity take over your life you gotta to be stronger then that and just think positive, and if you start thinking alot about one thing try to just shut yourself, you just gotta to force yourself and challenge yourself..I hope this helps, now this should work, but if you want the easy way out I guess you can go on some anti-anxiety pills, but u have to kno they dont fix the problem if anythin theyll add a new problem since all pills come with side effects/

Q: Can social anxiety cause ADHD people to stop fidgeting and remain still in public?
If someone has social anxiety disorder and also AD(H)D, and would normally fidget and move around constantly while alone, could their fear of being criticised for their movements while in the prescence of others cause them to remain still or 'paralysed'?

A: It certainly could. ADHD is not a distinct disorder, some people can have it worse than others, and some can have tendencies,etc. In other words, it's dimensional. social anxiety is the same thing. So it's just a question of which is stronger and how that person reacts when nervous. Some people shut down, others get restless and fidgety. You don't have to assume that people with ADHD are categorically different than normal people, it's only a difference of degree.

Q: How do I deal with dating and social anxiety?
I'm 32, I've never really dated, and I have a lot of anxiety in social situations. I would like to find a woman to date, and have a romantic relationship with, but at my age, most women are pretty experienced, and I am not. I'm uncomfortable with this, and generally uncomfortable in my own skin. How can I go about dating at my age when I've not done it before and I have so much anxiety?

A: Free advice, and a much larger range of websites than are permitted to be posted here, may be found in section 9, (in your case, view the COMPREHENSIVE POST first, then the first page, and other relevant pages) on social anxiety, at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris Read that section, (and section 38, on self esteem, and confidence). Check out the extensive free email material De Angelo offers, and only then make your decision on the next logical step, of the 3 choices available, or just opt out; you know your personal circumstances best. Then, in your position, I'd first take an escort out to a meal at a restaurant. Ask her how she, and other women would like to be approached. What subjects to talk with women about, and what to avoid. Where to go. (Coffee involves little pressure, or committment, and you can often learn a lot in a short time about whether a relationship with that person is worth pursuing). Maybe a movie next time, or a meal. I'd go on these "dry runs" at least 2, or 3 times. Expect many rejections; adopt De Angelo's approach, though, and go out with the sole purpose of approaching at least a dozen women, and saying, "Hi, my name's ?????, and I'm out tonight meeting new people, and I thought you looked interesting, and attractive. What should I call you?" Ask for her email address, and give her a notepad, and pen; have no expectations - just see what happens. Regard it as an opportunity to learn, and develop, or hone your social skills, not as a test you can fail. You may wish to have something to calm your nerves. Try having a cup of "Tension Tamer", herbal tea, by Celestial Seasonings, (from supermarket tea, or health food aisles) or make some at home, and cool, then bottle, and drink as needed (I find it so strong tasting, that I need to drink it quickly, followed by something like fruit juice, to take away the taste, but others may find it more tolerable). C(h)amomile tea is a more palatable option. Herbal remedies, such as valerian, are often effective, but know how it affects you, first. Avoid overuse of alcohol: it is counterproductive. 1 - 2 drinks, at most! (not beer, because beer breath is a potential turnoff). There are many internet chatrooms where you can develop online skills, but these often don't translate well in real life situations. Phone calls are a good next step. Then coffee. Speed dating is an option for later, once you have developed your skillset. If you aren't sexually experienced, this can be a big hurdle, later on. One option is to get some experience with those who do it professionally, regard it as a form of therapy, perhaps, or just a bit of fun, but try to learn about how to satisfy a woman. http://www.askemilyanything/ and Y!A womens section, and books. Always ask what they like, and what they don't, and allow PLENTY of foreplay, allowing them let you know when they're ready, or waiting for at least 15 minutes. Many women these days have certain minimal requirements of potential boyfriends, such as: 1) A place of his own. 2) Full time employment. 3) No drug problem. Having a car can help, in some places. Be cocky, and funny too, if possible. Don't appear to be needy; it's a turnoff, as is a lack of confidence (see section 38). Dress for the venue, or occasion, and consider having a makeover. Ask a number of people (not the girls you are trying to get to know, at least, not for some time) how they think you could look better; some should have a good suggestion, or two; most won't, though. LATER: Most women will quiz you on your previous relationship history, at some stage. If you're not a TRULY EXCELLENT liar, (and very few people are) you could either say (1.) I don't feel comfortable discussing that subject with you, right now; it involves too many painful memories; let's talk about something else, at least until I know you a lot better, and feel that I can fully trust you with my emotions. OR: (2.) I've only just recently achieved a sufficient degree of control over my social anxiety that I've finally to be able to enter the dating scene, as such.

Q: How long does prozac take to help social anxiety?
I know it is supposed to take several weeks to help depression but is it the same with anxiety? I feel that social anxiety is a bigger problem for me than the depression itself. I've been taking 10mg Prozac for 2 weeks and just 3 days ago my doc took me up to 20mg.

A: Chemically, it can take anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks to take effect. However, there IS a placebo effect when taking antidepressants that may cause you to feel more outgoing from the first moment of ingestion. Remember, no medication is a cure-all. You need to start engaging in the right mental exercises and activities to trigger the behavior response you're aiming for. Start with some of the suggestions in this article: http://www.stop-anxiety-panic-attack.com/lp/overcome-social-anxiety.html Good Luck!

Q: How can someone rise above the social anxiety and go out and socialize with the rest of the world?
I am literally being pulled apart. There is an inherent contradiction between my perception and reality. I often feel useless, worthless, and undesirable, so obviously I avoid being noticed as much as possible. Others (women) have taken notice of me, but I have always found a way to avoid or to reject them without them knowing they have been rejected. Obviously, I want the love and affection of women, but I am unable reciprocate on a mature level. When social anxiety becomes avoidant personality disorder...

A: zoloft saved me ask your dr

Q: What causes the person to have social anxiety?
What causing people to have social anxiety?

A: I begins with deep rooted fears. The cure has to do with identifying them and confronting them. It also involves building your confidence and self esteem. Read more in this book: "The Feeling Good Handbook" by Dr. David Burns: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0452281326/002-3126787-2527267?v=glance&n=283155 The book gave me the power to overcome depression and many other mental obstacles. I now look forward to my day and enjoy meeting new people. It's great! 'nuff said?

Q: What symtoms does medication relieve for social anxiety?
I suffer from social anxiety and am currently seeking cognitive behavioural therapy. However, with starting uni soon, i feel i need something else to help manage this condition. Has anyone found the medication to be successful and does it help lowself esteem?

A: If you find that your social anxiety is still keeping you from enjoying your life, despite counselling, you should ask your doctor to prescribe an antidepressant such as Paxil, which is particularly good for that condition. I don't like to recommend tranquilizers as they can be addictive. Paxil is well tolerated by most people and you will find that your mood will lift, which will relieve your anxiety. I would also like to invite you to attend a NAMI meeting, where you will meet others in your situation and make new friends.

Q: What is the best medication for social anxiety with least amount of weight gain?
I have been on/off Lexapro for about 2 years. It mostly works for social anxiety, but caused 15 pounds of weight gain and decrease in libido. My doctor added Wellbutrin to Lexapro to counteract those effects, but it hasn't done much (plus, it's technically not approved for social anxiety). I currently take 150mgs of Well. XL and 10mgs Lex. daily. I am 5'3', 140 pounds, athletic build, but am normally 125 pounds. I regularly do yoga and lots of walking, plus I eat relatively healthy and organic, but I have always had an emormous appetite (even before meds). Suggestions?

A: Drugs work differently on all people. Some people may not experience weight gain while taking Lexapro. Ask your doctor to switch you to anotehr SSRI, like Prozac or Zoloft. One of those may work just as well as Lexapro but without some of the side effects.

Q: What should I do if I have social anxiety and depression and I dont have health insurance?
What should I do if I have social anxiety and depression and I dont have health insurance? Where can I get free treatment or meds?I live in California.

A: I agree with the last answer you received, pot or alcohol is not the answer. Look in the directory for free help. People donate money for these kinds of cases all over the US. They donate to help people that cannot afford the high cost of doctors, and medication. You'll have to research a little, but in the long run it will pay off.... Good luck, and don't listen to the others.

Q: What are some medications for people younger than 18 with Social Anxiety?
Paxil is a highly recommended medication to treat social anxiety and other problems- for people 18 years or older. For someone who is 16 with the problem, and possibly with depression, is Paxil still recommended? What are some other medications that will reduce or treat social anxiety without the harmful mental affects that alot of anti-depressants carry. Also, are these harmful mental affects like thoughts of suicide or murder common?

A: Medications used to treat social anxiety in adults (Paxil, Zoloft, etc.) unfortunately carry an FDA BLACK BOX WARNING for use in children and adolescents. They say they do cause suicide and homicidal thoughts. Personally, the FDA is unlikely to issue this warning unless there is validity. Especially since anything involving drug companies profit becomes highly political. Be very careful taking advice from Yahoo answers regarding taking these drugs. Invest some time in researching it. It could be your life you are talking about.