Social Anxiety Forums

Matty · Anonymous

Does anyone have any solutions for social anxiety? Whenever I go out by myself, like to go grocery shopping, to new places, meetings where I don't know anyone- generally places with a lot of unfamiliar people, I have tons of anxiety. I sweat profusely (even when it's not hot in the places) and I'm extremely nervous. I am on medications for anxiety but are there any solutions besides adding more meds in dealing with this type of anxiety.

Deputy · Anonymous

Take a moment to consider what's going on inside your own head. What comes to mind when you think about going someplace new on your own? How do your thoughts and feelings change when you think about going to the same new place with someone you know? How do your thoughts and feelings change when you think about going to the same place with someone else? When I find myself stressed out in a place or situation, I can sometimes wrestle with the fear by thinking about where it comes from: perhaps something bad happened in a similar place when I was younger, but I'm older and I've had time to think about what else I could do or say.
It might be useful to could ask a good friend to help you. Go someplace where neither of you have ever been. Bring a notebook and a couple of reliable pens/pencils. Find a comfortable place to sit, and have your friend sit within arm's reach, but out of your direct line of sight. Either start writing down as much of what comes into your head as you can, thoughts and feelings and images, or start talking so that your friend can write it all down. If you get too upset, just turn to look at your friend to reassure yourself that he or she is still there. When you calm down enough, try again.
The point is to build up a sense that you can examine your fears safely, and then to actually do it as deeply as you can stand.

Frisky · Anonymous

i suffer with social anxiety, and for years was on meds.

I have since stopped taking meds because i feel they do more damage than good.

You need to learn to interact with others, take a speech class, or join a group, you just have to force yourself to interact with others.
the more you do it, the more you will become comfortable with it. (cognitive therapy)

If this is a result from low self esteem then you need to work on that issue first.

Perhaps talk with a counselor or a good friend.

Good luck

Paula · Anonymous

Desensitization. Try going to a place that makes you uncomfortable knowing your only going to stay there for 5 minutes. Then slowly build up the time as you become comfortable. Pick a place that you want to be more comfortable going to and start there. You may want to start seeing a therapist who can help you learn relaxations techniques and can help you with the desensitization. Hope this helps good luck.

Clive · Anonymous

Hi there, adding additional medication is certainly not in the equation. What you are experiencing is not uncommon and is easened by positive interaction and learning how to deal with confidence issues. Remember, there is pleanty of help available for this.

30something · Anonymous

Sometimes we have to be on meds- nothing you can do about it. You should talk to your Dr maybe you need to switch meds. I am on xanax- works for me.