My social anxiety has been trouble for me for most of my life, starting at age 13. I couldn't do things like sing in the choir or sit in an audience without feeling scared, panicky and shaky. I can't even speak or type in front of people, complications which wreaked havoc on my academic life.
I'd been in and out of therapists offices, each one disappointing, with the exception of one. She understood and she was actually a part of a social anxiety clinic. I was formally diagnosed. Yet, still didn't do quite well with therapy. I was just happy that someone understood what I was going through and that I could possibly get help. Why therapy didn't work for me is a whole nother topic altogether.
So the problem now is that the only access to help is one that I only have access to at the moment. I'm currently in an agoraphobic state, not able to leave the house without someone with me or going months and months without leaving the house at all. I am scared to talk to people most of the time, with the exception of online interaction. I can't work and it seems even the smallest of activities are overwhelming or causing sensory overload. I don't have any type of life.
To continue with the problem, I explained these things to my therapist and she said that I don't have social anxiety. She said I'm only depressed. I'm apprehensive and afraid to deal with her because I fear she will not properly treat what is wrong with me. And if a dilemma comes up with some of the exercises she wants me to complete, she will likely tell me I'm not trying.
She told me once that I "have to do the work myself and that she can't do it for me." I understand that and am willing to work to get better. She also said that I'm suffering from information overload because I look online for answers concerning my symptoms. (Not all the way true in the case of my social anxiety, as I have past results to prove my point.)
I do admit that I avoid things that will likely cause a panic attack or feeling, but I do want to get better. I don't know what to do that is both affordable and in my best interest. Should I stay with her and do what she says? Do I just agree with her even though deep down I know I can't? Am I wrong to doubt her because she is a trained professional with years of experience?
In all, I just want to get better. I just don't know what to do. Just another reason to be overly anxious.
I'd been in and out of therapists offices, each one disappointing, with the exception of one. She understood and she was actually a part of a social anxiety clinic. I was formally diagnosed. Yet, still didn't do quite well with therapy. I was just happy that someone understood what I was going through and that I could possibly get help. Why therapy didn't work for me is a whole nother topic altogether.
So the problem now is that the only access to help is one that I only have access to at the moment. I'm currently in an agoraphobic state, not able to leave the house without someone with me or going months and months without leaving the house at all. I am scared to talk to people most of the time, with the exception of online interaction. I can't work and it seems even the smallest of activities are overwhelming or causing sensory overload. I don't have any type of life.
To continue with the problem, I explained these things to my therapist and she said that I don't have social anxiety. She said I'm only depressed. I'm apprehensive and afraid to deal with her because I fear she will not properly treat what is wrong with me. And if a dilemma comes up with some of the exercises she wants me to complete, she will likely tell me I'm not trying.
She told me once that I "have to do the work myself and that she can't do it for me." I understand that and am willing to work to get better. She also said that I'm suffering from information overload because I look online for answers concerning my symptoms. (Not all the way true in the case of my social anxiety, as I have past results to prove my point.)
I do admit that I avoid things that will likely cause a panic attack or feeling, but I do want to get better. I don't know what to do that is both affordable and in my best interest. Should I stay with her and do what she says? Do I just agree with her even though deep down I know I can't? Am I wrong to doubt her because she is a trained professional with years of experience?
In all, I just want to get better. I just don't know what to do. Just another reason to be overly anxious.