Bronson99
Well-known member
I guess some of you more well-read in the subject may find this redundant, but perhaps the best course of action--before trying things like "exposure therapy" and the like--is to re-adjust self-image.
So, the most important thing: Improve self-esteem.. but NOT via external validation.. external validation only works if you've achieved many things or have some other obvious value (this won't even work for MOST people, SA or not)... do this by internal validation, looking at and acknowledging whatever blessings/good fortune you do have, appreciating whatever it is you do well (even if it's just a couple things), accept weaknesses, embrace quirks.
And then.. other interconnected things. Quit comparing oneself to others. Lower expectations in general, so rejection will not hurt you.. attack narcissism and entitlement.
In seems in my case, all of these things mentioned, are MAJOR parts of what led to acquiring SA. However, there's also innate qualities that I've always had too.. extreme sensitivity and shyness.. feeling "too much".. which naturally leads to a tendency to avoid. So, if this cannot be changed, change what CAN be changed.
After all, what good will "exposure therapy" do.. if you do not fix self-image and/or self-esteem, first?
Anyone?
So, the most important thing: Improve self-esteem.. but NOT via external validation.. external validation only works if you've achieved many things or have some other obvious value (this won't even work for MOST people, SA or not)... do this by internal validation, looking at and acknowledging whatever blessings/good fortune you do have, appreciating whatever it is you do well (even if it's just a couple things), accept weaknesses, embrace quirks.
And then.. other interconnected things. Quit comparing oneself to others. Lower expectations in general, so rejection will not hurt you.. attack narcissism and entitlement.
In seems in my case, all of these things mentioned, are MAJOR parts of what led to acquiring SA. However, there's also innate qualities that I've always had too.. extreme sensitivity and shyness.. feeling "too much".. which naturally leads to a tendency to avoid. So, if this cannot be changed, change what CAN be changed.
After all, what good will "exposure therapy" do.. if you do not fix self-image and/or self-esteem, first?
Anyone?