Does SA and low confidence go together

[KiaKaha]

I used to think that it does. I always thought that shyness/social phobia was intertwined with lack of confidence and low self esteem, that in fact it was the main culprit behind the disorder. But now I think they are exclusive from each other in that you dont need to have confidence problems to have SA.

Is this true? Lots of people here seem to have no problem going out, meeting people and enjoying life and new experiences...all things that require you to feel good about who you are.

Just wondering if its just me that suffers from self esteem problems.

 

[WeirdyMcGee]

Well... it's not just you, I can assure you of that.
I have low self confidence and a bad self image; although I've been told I am extremely self aware. (I guess too self aware?)

How about we add a poll and ask who has very little confidence, who has some and who has alot?

 

[KiaKaha]

Erm... a poll is a good idea, but I think I lost the chance to make one after I created the thread.

 

[THeCARS1979]

Well confidence is something one can work on to better themselves in the long run and maybe somewhere down the line the shyness , and social phobia decrease.

 

[Emma03]

I have low self-esteem and am able to go out and be with people, but only to a certain extent. I have to feel very comfortable with the person and usually hate being in large groups. I tend to get into a routine with things. Also, being able to truly enjoy things seems so difficult, but I also have depression too, so I'm sure that contributes.

 

[MrJones]

I don't know about "the general public", but I have serious self esteem problems, and everyday I feel more like ****.

And I don't go out if it's not completely necessary (and have a hard time when I do), I don't meet people, enjoy life or new experiences.

 

[NP88]

I think my depression causes low self confidence, and as a result social phobias.

I lack confidence because I can't take care of myself in a normal way, Im usually very apathetic about life, and as such have poor decision making skills. This leads to me being derailed in my journey through this world while others are blazing down the tracks. I feel like a roadbump in other peoples lives, stagnant while others flourish. That's how I see my situation at least.

 

[Necrucifer]

i have bad SA and some low confidence in doing some things but I think it is caused by my depression and the way i look at myself. I have no problems talking to people or hanging out with I knew in the past or at least know a little and am usually confident just fine with them.

As for going out in public with bad SA it does suck bad especially when you start shaking and gut acts up etc my confidence goes down the drain :/ then yea I think alot of bad things about myself.

I guess it depends on the person though and how they look at it also some people its different thats how it is for me though.

 

[Acegame]

My social anxiety is definetly caused by low self esteem. Around a certain age i started thinking low of myself by various reasons and this resulted in becoming socially anxious. I'm pretty sure of that. And now im in some vicious circle where both feed eachother.

 

[EscapeArtist]

Well they both relate strongly to feeling good. Physically mentally emotionally spiritually, hormonally! lol. Chances are, if you feel really good, including in public, you will have less of both of them, and if you feel really crummy you will have more of them. They could be indirectly related, only linked to that in the way that 2 symptoms are related to a disease

At the same time, overcome either low self confidence or SA will make you feel better in public, and will most likely positively affect that other 'symptom'

 

[this_portrait]

Lately, severe SA with low confidence. It's pretty bad. So bad that I plan on getting my hair cut and dyed eventually, but at the same time I think it's pointless because I keep thinking, "Who do I have to impress?"

 

[Kiwong]

My self esteem has improved this last year I have been on this webiste. I am confident in some areas of my life now, much more so that four or five years ago when I was at rock bottom.

 

[Ms Cloud]

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[Srijita52]

I could be wrong but I think low confidence and SA is somewhat conected. The more we overcome our SA the more it gives a boost in our confidence which helps to be more motivated to work on our problems & so on.

 

[Broken Beat & Scarred]

I think low self esteem and confidence go pretty much hand in hand. If you really try hard building your confidence your esteem goes up with it. Which then makes it easier for you to handle social interactions that were once frightening.

Work on your self first, i cannnot stress that enough.Heal your wounded soul, heal all of the hurt you feel. Good healthy high self esteem will do you wonders in your life. 9 times out of 10 you will feel so good about yourself that SA and SP wont even become an issue any longer.

 

[Ms Cloud]

9 times out of 10 you will feel so good about yourself that SA and SP wont even become an issue any longer.

LOL I must be the other 1 out of 10.

 

[YellowBird]

It's more of an AvPD thing.