What should i do ; i think i have S.A.D.?!
Question: What should i do ; i think i have S.A.D.?
For years, I thought I just suffered from severe shyness,
And thought i'd become more comfortable later on.
I am now a junior in high school.
And it affects me badly in school.
I have to basically force myself to do easy tasks like ask a teacher a question, turn in my tests up front, ask to go to the restroom, or read aloud.
Even when I finally do these, my voice changes into this squeaky whisper, and I realize people notice my timidness, or I'm trembling and tense.
I have a hard time eating in the cafeteria, even when I'm with friends.
I feel very tense, and fear looking silly, even when everyone is also eating.
I shake a lot in school, as well.
I basically stay nervous all the time, especially in school,
but when I'm at home I feel much better.
I've read a lot on social anxiety, and found I have all the symptoms.
But I'm too afraid to ask for help. I don't even know what to tell my parents.
Any ideas?
Also, if you suffer from it, what have you done to help overcome it?
Does Medication help? Therapy?
Thanks to all who choose to answer.
It means a lot (:
Answers:
Best Answer - Chosen by Voters
I did suffer from social anxiety disorder as well as many phobias. I never saw a psychologist or anything like that I just came into situations where I had to deal with it. I knew people that died in car accidents and I was afraid to be in a car with someone driving, let alone drive myself but obviously it's a necessity. I had a fear of heights, I couldn't climb an 8 foot ladder and I had to get over it for my new job working doing roofs and windows a lot of times carrying over 50 pounds of shingles on 1 shoulder up the ladder.
My whole life I have been a germ freak I would wash my hands 100 times a day and also claustrophobic. One day for work I had to run water pipes in this house so I had to crawl in a tiny space underneath the house in the dirt to do it lol. I was about to freak out but then i realized I was fine. If I was back 2 years when i was in high school and someone told me I would be doing this, I would tell them they are nuts.
I overcame the social anxiety by becoming friends with a guy who was really outgoing and talkative and he dragged me to parties and to hang out with a bunch of people and I talked to them and realized people are generally cool they wont chew your head off for no reason haha. Granted, there are a few jerks out there with a chip on their shoulder. Basically the only way to overcome anything is to face it because if you run or hide, it isn't going to get you anywhere.
well i think you need to ask for help
go to the dr you can write down all your symptoms ,take your parents or friend with you
this can be over come with cognitive behaviour therapy and sometimes meds,
try deep breathing exercises and yoga
look on www.kidsheath.com and go to the teen section
or look on www.youngminds.org.uk