Feeling like an absolute failure

[Aim_e]

Hey there fellow social phobs! I'm new. I was diagnosed with SP after this major anxiety attack I experienced in September at University during Frosh Week. I was too scared to leave my room/answer the phone or door all day. I was finally like, "There's something wrong with me." Yep.

So I'm home now. I'm too scared to get a job because I know I'll have to talk to people, and I don't even like to be seen. I have these irrational thoughts that everyone who sees me will think really negative things about me. My parents are so supportive and aren't pressuring me or anything, but I feel like such a failure. I feel like I should be trying harder or something. Any suggestions or empathy would be great. Thanks!!

 

[bonafide]

My dear, why is this plague put upon us?

I know you wish you didn't give one care about what others think or see of us. I feel your pain, as I deal with this on a daily basis. It makes you think of yourself as an emotional cripple in some respects. Sometimes, only in posting can you let your "real" self out with no constraints or boundries.

What do you think has driven you to this point?

 

[Aim_e]

Thanks. What's driven me to this point? Not too sure. I've always been shy, but the last couple years of high school it just escalated into...this!
I got so that I was terrified of having to do presentations and raising my hand in class. Maybe it's just because this stage in life is so tough. I dunno.

 

[Septor]

Thanks. What's driven me to this point? Not too sure. I've always been shy, but the last couple years of high school it just escalated into...this!
I got so that I was terrified of having to do presentations and raising my hand in class. Maybe it's just because this stage in life is so tough. I dunno.

You sound just like me.I always had problem through my life but it was the last couple of years of high school that i had my nervous break down.Its a hard thing to deal with in life.Worry about what everyone thinks about you but you have come to the right place to talk about this.

 

[Falcon]

Hi Aim_e!

It can be so hard, can't it! What's worse is that social anxiety drives people away, people who can support and help you. But you found a place where people understand .

Here is a question, do you want to get better? I ask because for 10 years I didn't want to (I'm 27 now). I somehow convinced myself that I was happy being lonely and sitting at home all night and on weekends. But now I am starting to believe that I was deluding myself, that I want to change. Do you want to change? Please don't waste your youth as I did!

If you feel comfortable, make an appointment to see a psychiatrist or therapist. Take your mom with you to wait with you in the waiting room, if it would help!

Also, here's one thing you can do, that I read about. I'm planning to do it tonight. Write down some affirmations, stuff that you like about yourself, good qualities you have. And write down some things about what you'd like to be. Read them several times a day. It sounds hokey, but supposedly it works.

Good luck & feel free to PM me.

 

[Aim_e]

I can't thank you all enough. I DO want to get better, but it's nice to know there are people out there who know what I'm going through. I think the reason why I'm feeling like such a failure is because I know I don't have to be like this. I feel like I can get through it, but I don't really know how. I will take your advice though Falcon. Oh, and Worrygirl, I read the Wheel of Time books too. They're awesome!

 

[Aim_e]

**Worrydoll (Sorry )

 

[Falcon]

I can't thank you all enough. I DO want to get better, but it's nice to know there are people out there who know what I'm going through. I think the reason why I'm feeling like such a failure is because I know I don't have to be like this. I feel like I can get through it, but I don't really know how. I will take your advice though Falcon. Oh, and Worrygirl, I read the Wheel of Time books too. They're awesome!

Good luck! Let us know if we can help or lend an ear! I know you can work through it - just take baby steps. If it takes 3 weeks or 3 years, you will succeed