Does it ever get better?

[deadlinegemini]

I was wondering if anyone has found anything that actually worked to improve their confidence and social anxiety in the long term. Medication, therapy, anything?

Do you think it's even possible, or is trying just fighting a losing battle?

Although I'd like to think that I'm not going to be like this forever, no matter how much I try, nothing ever changes. If anything I just end up more awkward and anxious and self loathing.

 

[Nack]

meditation and self fulfilling prophocy works :\ but it's not easy to do.

 

[LockieKermit]

It does. Dont ask this forum though, alot of people here tend to be a bit...negative.

Google SA stories and do your own research, other then this forum

 

[Scrabbl]

I've tried a lot of things. What was most helpful for me was Dr Richard's audio series on overcoming SP and "exposure therapy". But still there are still many things I haven't tried yet like support groups, or meds other than paxil. I guess you just gotta keep trying differnt things with an open mind until you find something that works for you.

To answer the original question. yes it CAN get better

Oh and i'd like to add it also helps to go out there and do things that will improve your confidence. Like developing a hobby, working out and getting in shape etc

 

[Locked Away]

No it never gets better, just much much worse. The more i try going out and meeting people the more I just want to stay at home away from people. I hate people, sure there are some nice ones, but most of them are just out to screw you over.

 

[Dronee]

I've tried to just go out there and force myself to mingle until it becomes second nature. It takes time and effort. But it's possible, just take one step at a time. What's important is to deal with the cards that life has given you to the best of your abilities.

I understand how you feel though, there are people who are just waiting to screw you over, but there are also people who are worth far more than their weight in gold..

 

[Pink_Paula]

It is possible for it to get better, but you have to put a lot of hard work into it. You have to be in the right frame of mind to start, if you're feeling weak in anyway you'll just give up and carry on the way you are.

 

[LadyWench]

I once suffered from severe agoraphobia. I couldn't even go outside to check my mail. I would freak out if neighbors saw me, and there was no way I could go to the store or anywhere else without having a major panic attack and having to rush to the bathroom.

It isn't nearly has bad anymore. I've made a lot of accomplishments within the past couple of years as far as social anxiety goes. I honestly don't know how I did it or what happened. I think I just gradually went out more, saw my therapist often, and got a little better. I'm not free of it. I still have a lot of social anxiety. There are times that I don't want to go anywhere or feel like being around people. I'm just not as scared as I used to be, and I'd say that's a positive step, even though I have plenty of other major issues to battle.

Last January, I even rode a train (for the first time!) and went all the way to Disneyland (also a first time). I couldn't believe I did something that huge. I'm sure it can happen for everyone, you just have to figure out what will work for you. If I can do it, ANYBODY can. Believe me. I'm pretty f*cked up.

/end cheesy, lame, pointless post.