I'm new here. Do i have social anxiety/phobia and can i beat it?

roopzie

Member
Hi, I'm new here and I wanted to know if I have social phobia? And if I can rise above it?

When I was young I was isolated from other children, so when I did interact with them, it was unsuccessful. I thought they would hurt me and I was to scared to talk to them. This furthured my isolation. Add in a set of socially defincient parents (my mother was overbearing and nice/horrible at times, while my dad was rarely seen and has no emotion) and little friends, and I have developed into a shy, confused adult who just wants to be accepted. The outside world, and speaking, scares me. Everyone else finds talking natural, i still struggle knowing what to say!

I looked at the symptoms page, and i don't share many of the physical symptoms. I do feel uncomfortable, hot and i feel like I'm being pulled down into the ground...if things are in my pockets they seem to suddenly get heavy. These things occur when I'm outside, around people, doing things in front of people or talking to someone/group.
However, I share all of the cognitive symptoms, althought I don't try to evade these situations, or try and grin and bear it, even thought I may be in a corner smiling yet terrified.

I think I probably do have the phobia, or is it just shyness? I'm not sure why I'm asking, maybe I'm too scared to admit that I do. Has anyone else had a strange upbringing like mine? And what can I do to get over it and be less fearful? Response appreciated :)
 

rand0m_guy

Well-known member
Going from that post it sounds to me like you have SA as opposed to normal shyness.

You don't have to have all the listed physical symptoms to have SA, but you said you do have some anyway so....

Admitting to yourself you have it is scary yeah, but it's the first thing you need to do if you plan on getting any better. As far as getting over it is concerned, it's different for everyone. Finding this place and researching the subject is a good start though.

Welcome to the forum though. :)
 
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