How do I get help for Social Anxiety?

[Dayvan]

I'm pretty certain that I have SA. I avoid pretty much any and all activities that involve interaction with people. I haven't been to the doctor since I was a child. I need dental work but am petrified of going. I have virtually no friends and the ones I did have, I cut them off. Some haven't heard from me in years. I have a significant other who does all of the grocery shopping because I can't.

I had a job but lost it. I went to a job interview recently by myself, but declined the job for reasons other than SA. I was really proud of myself, even though I didn't take the job.

I am the quintessential hermit. Living on books, tv, internet and video games. If I do any exercising outside, I only go at night, but even that is getting to be too much recently.

I suffer from panic attacks and bouts of anxiety as well as thoughts of hopelessness but no severe depression yet. I have never taken medication or seen anyone. I am 24 years old.

I don't know how to get help. How do I start? How did you first get up the courage to see someone? I have a lot of anxiety towards medication because I've seen what it can do. How do I get over this?

 

[Hottie]

Hi Dayvan and welcome to the forum,

What you are explaining sounds to me like SA. But since we are only experts in our own lives it is always better to get diagnosed by a doctor.

Firstly what you should do is go to your doctor and discuss options available. Your doctor may perscribe you med's. But in my opinion you should only start meds if therapy isnt helping.

So you should make an appointment with a theripst and begin therapy. In therapy you will work through why you are anxious and work on skills to help reduce and prevent anxiety, things like deep breathing, visualization, p[ositive self-talk etc.

When i first discovered my anxiety disorder, i was in college. I was in a class called 'mental health'. As soon as i finished that college year, that summer i went straight to my doctor and then to therapy.

I think you build the courage from how much you want to change. Do you want to re-build your life? I presume the answer is yes, so then go seek help. Anxiety is so so so common and it wont be nothing your doc hasnt heard before, so dont feel ashamed or alone.

On a last note, you do not have to try medication if you dont want to. You never have to do things you dont want to do. But i know you want to change so seek professional help and give yourself that support you need...

Best of luck...

 

[Dayvan]

Thank you for the reply! I'm going to try to see someone this week. The thought of actually driving to the doctor and sitting in the waiting room, not to mention discussing my anxiety makes me dizzy. What made you all seek help? How long did you suffer before finally going to see someone?

 

[Hottie]

Good im glad you have decided set a target and see someone this week...that is great!

I know the anxiety is horrible when you have to do things like this but if it is left unmanaged it may only get worse for you.

If you think about it anxiety is with you when you leave the house all the time then this tme wont be really any different. The only difference is that it is positive anxiety. You do this for you...

I suffer from socal anxiety and erethrophobia. Erethrophobia is a fear of blushing. It can make you blush at the most unwanted times.
For me, what made me seek help was because the blushing became to much. It was and still is interfering with my everyday life but i will continue to try and help myself in whatever way i can.

I had suffered for 4 years before i sought help. I had complained to my parents but they didnt know or care how much i was struggeling to live everyday. They didnt even know it was anxiety. As i said before it was only until college i found out there was a name for what i had.
Since then i took active steps (myself) to find the right support and help i needed and still need.

Hope things go well for you...

 

[Sinar_Matahari]

I'm pleased to see that you've shown initiative by seeking help here. I hope you'll find the support you need.

Please consult your doctor to rule out any possible health issues. If your physical health is not affecting your mental state then you should seek the opinion of a mental health care professional.

Therapy (cognitive behavioral therapy has been good for me) can help if you find a good therapist who specializes in anxiety disorders, but therapy alone doesn't help. I have to point out that if you want to overcome something like anxiety, it will take consistent work and dedication on your part. It's difficult.

I'm not an advocate of meds, but you might find that the right ones can work for you. Again, consult your doctor.

If you are diagnosed it's important that you educate yourself as much as you can on the subject. The more you know, the more you can help yourself. Best of luck and remember that you have to take the first step even if you may be shaking inside. You may find that it's one of the best decisions you'll ever make.