Steps to get over social anxiety. I need help.?!
Question: I have decided to go without anti-anxiety medication, but now I have horrible anxiety problems when facing a situation in which I'll have to be interacting with other people.
First, I'll start getting pangs of regret for agreeing to meet with people or go somewhere with people, then I'll feel so stressed out that my head starts screaming at me to get out of there, and everything itches, and then, because I feel so guilty for wanting to cry, I'll usually end up crying even harder. I'll even do this around people I care about, pushing everyone away to be by myself again.
Still, I don't like the idea of going back onto medication, because the medication (many different brands) tend to stifle my creativity and make me feel like I'm someone I'm not.
So, what I do I do to get better about agreeing to be around people without having that flighty adrenaline response? I would really love to not be hindered by the social anxiety problems as greatly.
Answers: I have decided to go without anti-anxiety medication, but now I have horrible anxiety problems when facing a situation in which I'll have to be interacting with other people.
First, I'll start getting pangs of regret for agreeing to meet with people or go somewhere with people, then I'll feel so stressed out that my head starts screaming at me to get out of there, and everything itches, and then, because I feel so guilty for wanting to cry, I'll usually end up crying even harder. I'll even do this around people I care about, pushing everyone away to be by myself again.
Still, I don't like the idea of going back onto medication, because the medication (many different brands) tend to stifle my creativity and make me feel like I'm someone I'm not.
So, what I do I do to get better about agreeing to be around people without having that flighty adrenaline response? I would really love to not be hindered by the social anxiety problems as greatly.
I'm so sorry you're feeling this way!!! Keeping away from caffeine is a great idea! Anti-anxiety meds can also make you feel disconnected with the world which is not fun!
You might just have to force yourself out of your comfort zone! Just go out with your friends, meet people, TRY to relax! I am not sure if you have already tried that or not...After you hang out with someone, do you feel better? Do you say to yourself "Well that wasn't so bad!"
Have you tried meditation? Just sitting and relaxing for about 10-15 minutes a day, and letting the thoughts just drift out of your head? Have you thought about seeing someone like a therapist? That can really help sometimes, and maybe he/she could help you think of some tactics so that you can feel better!
GOOD LUCK!
your just like my daughter! she does exactly the same thing. now she doesnt agree to go ant where with her friends, she says she will go out with them if she can make it, that way she isnt commiting to being there. but this problem she has has made her friends stay away from her cause shes unreliable. she has lost many friends this way. i hope you can find the strenght to go out. good luck.
Now, if your friends are TRUE friends, you'll need to explain them your anxiety problem, and they'll help you to feel at ease. Even ask one of your best friend to pick you at your home.
As experiences are multiplied, particularly good ones, you'll feel more at ease.
Try "bash flower remedies", few drops will help you before those events. It's completly natural, non addictive and no side effect.
I have the same issues with social anxiety.
Anytime I'm forced into a public situation where lots of people are around I get shaky and sometimes I even have panic attacks...
What I've learned from all of my issues&attacks is that when I just hang out with one or two people who are TRUE friends, I'm usually pretty comfortable.
And sometimes I drink alcohol before I go out to a public place, I know it's probably not the smartest thing to to but it lowers my social anxiety and helps me to socialize.
Good luck, we are seriously struggling with a disease & it sucks.