Possible to enjoy life despite SA??

No matter what, we survive. Can someone learn to acutally live with social anxiety?
To not be depressed? Enjoy life?
I want any stories of experiencing the symptoms of this, but being happy at the same time.


Read on for my current example, but a bit lengthy though so feel free to skip.

IE I barely talk to anyone at work... takes too much effort. When I do on rare occasions, it feels amazing. I feel normal and insecurities drift off into the distance. But it takes so much effort, I am not all that disciplined yet.
Thinking long term kills me.
I have learnt it is okay to be quiet and keep to myself, and make my mind a positive place. Eg reminiscing about past holidays, funny or cute moments. BUT however to "get away" with this, I feel I need to be friendly and say hi to everyone and do the customary manners, plus actually respond when they're trying to talk to me haha. It's difficult sometimes because I zone out, and seem to hear my voice in third person, sounding all weak or icy.
GAAHHH
Atleast this is one avenue of peace I've found. I honestly can't be ****ed being nice though so then I feel bad, not making it very effective after all. anva;dsnv;aosdinv;osivnfdlkas;odighao;isfd

I guess I tell myself that it sucks to be naturally wired as an introvert or socializing dolt or whatever. It feels as if the most comfortable way to communicate for SA'ers happens to be a way that makes them feel lonely same time? How sucky is that? It feels like the only way to solve this is to find that thing in your life that has made you the way you are.

Yep, it's possible.
Push your boundaries, have a plan, make friends, things will improve if you really want to.

I agree with Flanscho! Keep pushing youreself! Even if its just one question a day! The road to anxiety freedom is not an easy one.. but after awhile it gets easier!

Good luck!

I do enjoy life, not all the time, but quite often.

Outside work where I find enjoyment. For me it's running, photography, nature. I realise that work drags me down.

Kiwong said:

I realise that work drags me down.

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Work is sometimes a necessary evil to afford to do the things you enjoy outside of work. Your job doesn't define you, either...although to some people, it does.

It's possible to enjoy life with just about any ailment, so social anxiety is no different in that regard.

MikeyC said:

Work is sometimes a necessary evil to afford to do the things you enjoy outside of work. Your job doesn't define you, either...although to some people, it does.

It's possible to enjoy life with just about any ailment, so social anxiety is no different in that regard.

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Exactly, I have the things I enjoy outside work that I can engage with, the things that do define me. And consequently having a life outside work, what happens at work becomes less relevant, and I am able to more successfully and quickly disengage from it.