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Abbyx3
Terrified Newbie
Joined: 05 Jan 2008
Posts: 9
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 Posted: Sat January 05, 2008 Post subject: My SA Story and Help Tips |
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Hi, I'm a new member here and I've recently somewhat (maybe 98%) overcome my social anxiety. I'm more than positive that it stems from my childhood. I take a pill and a half of Zoloft everyday. I dropped out of HS 6 months ago (b.c I went off my medication, didn't realize how much I needed it, and my symptoms drove me out of high school) I also suffer from depression. I've had this "condition(SA)" for about 2-3 years but the anxiety didn't come till a few years after the depression started. I got my GED and failed my drivers test a few days ago (lol.. anxiety attack while parallel parking. I was shaking from the beginning but it progressively got worse as I completed more of the test course. I guess you can say that's normal anxiety then.)
Anyways, I tried several methods of relieving my anxiety and here was my process:
1) I identified the problem by researching my symptoms.
2) I understood the fact that it was a "disease" more or less and tried not to blame myself for being the way I am.
3) I faced most of the social situations I was met with, even if my mind was screaming "no! they'll judge you." I went anyways, and afterwards, on some occasions I would come out of the meeting just fine. But I'd have to say most the time I didn't << however that's ok! It's part of overcoming SA 
4) Like some have said, this is very important, to be become comfortable with yourself!! That is really the key. Anxiety comes from insecurities about ourselves. So, go out, get a hair cut, buy some new clothes... something to pamper yourself a bit. This will give you a new way to look at yourself and slowly build your confidence.
5) Honestly, I would recommend marijuana (Yes, I use). The reason being, it takes your mind away from your anxieties and makes you focus on other things. It's also natural (unless it's laced of course). . Weed, as funny as this may sound, made me take a close look at myself and help me see who I am-- which is a funny, smart, and cool girl! Not to say who I am now is attributed to weed but it was definetly a stepping stone.
Everyone's greatest pursuit is to figure out who they are, but in the end the answer is so easy and we all want to become the same kind of person -- one who will have inner peace. I believe we all can have that.
6) Another important thing to note about social anxiety is that it's a habit. Train your mind to change it's train of thought before it turns into a mess of thinking. Be POSITIVE. Try to stay active, do things that will make you feel fulfilled... like cleaning or doing something you enjoy. Overall, keep your mind busy on things you enjoy.
7) Strike up conversations with family members or anyone you feel comfortable with. Have them keep supporting you and reassuring you're safety and self. Make sure this is someone you trust and has got their head on straight. The last thing you need is more confusion. I used to coop myself away in my room and didn't talk to anyone, I was essentially a hermit and my dad always said I hibernate too much. =p I decided to come out and start acting human again. It definetly payed off.
Ok guys, I think I'll be wrapping up soon. But here are some things to remember before I leave.
-YOU have control over your anxiety, so don't let it control you!
-It is very possible to be cured of social anxiety, you just have to decide that you're ready and willing to take the steps needed to alleviate it.
-It's usually all in your head lol... and sometimes you just have to laugh at it if you can. It makes everything less serious.
As for those with more severe cases, I'm afraid I can't comment much for you unfortunately. But I will say to seek every form of help there is and always come here when you need support!! <333
Thanks guys for listening and it was great speaking to you all!! We all can overcome this together!!
If anyone wants to talk more I'm available on yahoo messenger kyutie_inu456@yahoo.com ... ANYONE is welcome to message me just let me know you're from this forum
Abby~ 17  |
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Bravetailor
Calm Regular
Joined: 18 Mar 2008
Posts: 55
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| Posted: Wed March 26, 2008 Post subject: Re: My SA Story and Help Tips |
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| Abbyx3 wrote: | Anyways, I tried several methods of relieving my anxiety and here was my process:
1) I identified the problem by researching my symptoms.
2) I understood the fact that it was a "disease" more or less and tried not to blame myself for being the way I am.
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This part I have to disagree with. Now, I do agree that we shouldn't blame ourselves for being this way, but I believe strongly that it is not a 'disease'. It's a problematic term encouraged by psych students and doctors, in an effort to have everything diagnosed as some sort of medical condition, IMO. If we embrace this term, we pretty much psychologically acknowledge that we are in a losing battle, and thus cannot get out of it. I know this to be false--there are plenty of people who've overcome it or have lived through it and managed to carve out successful lives. Donald Sutherland is one notable celebrity example of a guy who suffered from SA in his youth.
Furthermore, the term "disease" becomes a crutch. If there's one thing I've run into often, it's people with SA who come up with some kind of crutch that pretty much excuses them from trying to improve. The most common one I've come acrpss is the declaration that they have Asperger's. I've known people who've had Asperger's, and I know people who deal with people who have Asperger's on a regular basis and it goes beyond just simply being extremely anxious in social situations and/or nerdy. We're talking about banging your head against the wall, shouting/making odd, loud noises in public, etc,. We're talking about people who can do amazing things mentally one moment, but unable to perform other, simple things the next. In short, it's a form of autism and I have to laugh when I come across 25 people in one thread claiming to have autism or Asperger's. |
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Abbyx3
Terrified Newbie
Joined: 05 Jan 2008
Posts: 9
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| Posted: Sun April 06, 2008 Post subject: |
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| aha I guess that wasn't really the word I was looking for ... I mean there are diseases that can be cured so I wasn't necessarily saying its a terminal thing. I myself am an example of one of those people who has overcome it. Thanks for your response. |
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Bobby
Calm Regular
Joined: 17 Feb 2007
Posts: 57
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| Posted: Sun April 06, 2008 Post subject: |
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| For some people, I think that there is no cure. A bit like depression. |
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