Awkward problem

Bishi-bishi

Bishi-bishi

New member
Hi, I'm new here and I have a little problem. I find it very difficult to empathise and interact with other people, and find it much easier to relate to characters in videogames, cartoons and the like. I become very anxious in social situations, like going to the shops, or waiting at the bus stop, and sometimes I imagine that I'm in a game or a cartoon or something, and it relaxes me enough to cope with being around people.

What I really want to know is if I'm able to function through this process do I really have a problem at all?

:oops:
 
SilentType

SilentType

Banned
Hmm. I too suffer from social anxiety. Just because you're able to function the way you are right now, does not mean that you shouldn't get help for your anxieties. I think what you're describing can be interpreted as dissociation, meaning that you're going to a different place in your mind to get away from the severe anxiety that you're experiencing. You shouldn't have to escape into some room inside you're mind just to cope with every day situations, therefore I would advise you to see a psychiatrist about this. I did, and my life is becoming much better. Through the proper medication and cognitive behavioral therapy, I have been able to grab a hold on my issues and redirect the way I think into positive thoughts instead of negative ones. I hope I helped.

Peace
 
SilentType

SilentType

Banned
I'm going to have to disagree riptor. Saying that its ok to send yourself into fantasy land whenever you feel anxious is simply ridiculous. It may be a good coping mechanism, but doing it too much is just going to continue to take you further and further from meeting people and doing the things that all social phobes wish they could do.

The best thing for you to do is to get a professional's opinion and get some therapy and possibly get some meds to help deal with your anxiety.

Peace
 
skatterkat

skatterkat

Member
A lot of times if the fiction is good enough I find myself really growing to care more about made up characters than anyone in real life.

Then when I go out into the real world it's just disappointing how much everyone in real life, you know, sucks, compared to the characters in my favorite games and books.
Click to expand...

I used to do this too. Then I started getting to grips with my SA, and suddenly I didn't have time to think about anything other than real life! And now, I feel no need to, and I'm so thankful for that.

I guess if fantasy makes your situation easier to bear, Riptor, then it's a good thing, but think - do you really want the most significant interactions in your life to be with paper or the tv screen? Try and remember that real people created these characters. Real people are far more interesting than fictional characters can ever be because they never stop changing. They may not have super-powers, but they have other qualities that will become just as important to you if you let them!

Bishi-bishi, first off, I <3 the name! ;) Some of what I said above may make sense to you too. Fantasy may be your coping mechanism right now, but that doesn't mean it always will be. You may find people who share your love of videogames and cartoons and then it can be a source of social interaction instead!

People who have SA but are able to cope still have SA. I count myself in this group. I've managed to find ways of handling my anxiety most of the time, but there are still days when I can't face leaving the house. I really think SA is like alcoholism, every day is a new battle, but the important thing is to remember that losing today can mean winning tomorrow...
/end off-the-point tangent of thought-process... thing... o.0
 
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