Anxiety Problems...advice?!
Question:
Anxiety Problems...advice?
Here are some of my symptoms:
1) Hate answering the phone at work because I dont want other people to here me on the phone
2) Hate meeting old friends from the past b/c i get so nervous we wont have anything to talk about! I mean to the point where i dread it for days
3) Hate ordering phone from places like pizza joints etc b/c i dont want to talk to strangers
4) hate meeting new people- i know- that sounds so bad!
Has anyone had experience with anxiety? Does this sound like im just "shy" or need to consider counseling and/or medication..
I guess the reason i dont see counseling as an option is i KNOW im shy... and its not b/c of selfesteem or anything (i think im great haha).. so.. what can them tell me?
But i kinda feel like medication is a cop out...
Thanks!
Answers:
Call it shyness, call it social anxiety it doesn't really matter. The following steps might help:
1.Breathe properly - if you control your breathing, you control panic. As soon as you notice the signs of anxiety, check your breathing: breathe in slowly through your nose pushing your tummy out (to the count of 5 or so). Breathe out slowly and for a bit longer (to the count of 7 or so) through your mouth. Do not breathe rapidly or shallowly (in the chest area). This will soon restore the balance of oxygen and you will feel a lot better.
2. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy! CBT is proven to be the most effective thing for social anxiety and can work for shyness. It takes a bit of work, but it is super effective. You can speak to your doctor about taking a course or you can take a course for free online at: www.livinglifetothefull.com
3. Try relaxation exercise tapes (progressive muscular relaxation). They really help if you practise often enough.
With each of these steps, practise makes perfect. Hope you feel better soon! Good luck!