Overcoming SA without a social life?

[Truthseeker]

Do you think it's possible to overcome social anxiety if you have no social life whatsoever? I basically only talk to my parents..

Also, any tips on how to expand one's social life? I don't drink, I hate bars and similar places.

 

[Spike Lee]

probably not

 

[mrb]

to be honest that would nearly be impossible , to overcome it you have to interact with other people , sa can and will take you over if you just shut yourself away from the world , you have to make baby steps like going out mixing with people not to much as little or as much as you like , the world is a scary place but most people have sa to some degree , most just hide it well ....

 

[anomicdeer]

I don't know really. Maybe not because if you don't have any social life, you wouldn't know if you'd overcome.

 

[lurknomore]

I'm kind of in the same boat, I don't even know how to go out and get a social life. The thing is, I can talk to most people I come into contact with okay, like coworkers, but I never see them outside of work, and never get any invitations to "hang out" otherwise.

 

[Ignace]

I'm kind of in the same boat, I don't even know how to go out and get a social life. The thing is, I can talk to most people I come into contact with okay, like coworkers, but I never see them outside of work, and never get any invitations to "hang out" otherwise.

Same here, nowadays i don't get much invitations anymore, but that's because I never accepted one.:: Except for a few exceptions but that were big mistakes. I guess it's just not in my nature.

 

[Truthseeker]

to be honest that would nearly be impossible , to overcome it you have to interact with other people , sa can and will take you over if you just shut yourself away from the world , you have to make baby steps like going out mixing with people not to much as little or as much as you like , the world is a scary place but most people have sa to some degree , most just hide it well ....

Well, you can always go to church/the gym, spend time in a mall or the library etc.. but to be more precise; what if you have no close relationships/friends/family whatsoever?

The thing is, I can talk to most people I come into contact with okay, like coworkers.

That's great, I wish I could be like you

 

[lurknomore]

Same here, nowadays i don't get much invitations anymore, but that's because I never accepted one.:: Except for a few exceptions but that were big mistakes. I guess it's just not in my nature.

This is what perplexes me, I've never gotten invitations to turn down (or accept) in the first place.

 

[JamieD]

Wow, you sound just like me!

 

[Ignace]

This is what perplexes me, I've never gotten invitations to turn down (or accept) in the first place.

Well, you won't believe me, but I hoped and I still do, for never getting invitations anymore. I always have to dissapoint people. It's like I'm not friend-worthy.::

 

[Emily_G]

Do you think it's possible to overcome social anxiety if you have no social life whatsoever? I basically only talk to my parents..

Also, any tips on how to expand one's social life? I don't drink, I hate bars and similar places.

I think trying to overcome it with practice is the best way...but, at least for me, it's mostly a mental thing....so you could maybe get in the right mental stage on your own

Church? I don't drink or go to bars either, most of my friends are from church

 

[powerfulthoughts]

Well, what I would do when I was at my worst with SA was try to make a point to interact with at least one person that I don't know too well. I would usually do that by going to the gas station, grocery store, video store, etc. and try to ask a question or two. Simple stuff can snowball, so try to build from simple things like that.

 

[Truthseeker]

Well, what I would do when I was at my worst with SA was try to make a point to interact with at least one person that I don't know too well. I would usually do that by going to the gas station, grocery store, video store, etc. and try to ask a question or two. Simple stuff can snowball, so try to build from simple things like that.

Yes, but if that's all you do (talking to strangers and not making friends), I don't think you could overcome social anxiety and/or depression. I hope I'm wrong, but I'm afraid I'm not

 

[powerfulthoughts]

I'm not talking about overcoming it, I'm talking about baby steps. With NO interaction whatsoever, you have to have SOMETHING to build upon. Rome wasn't built in a day.

 

[lurknomore]

Yes, but if that's all you do (talking to strangers and not making friends) I don't think you could overcome social anxiety and/or depression. I hope I'm wrong but I'm afraid I'm not ::

I talk to strangers all the time when I'm at work... small talk is no big deal. I've done it for years... still no friends.

 

[Argamemnon]

.................

 

[xxaimsxx]

It is hard. I find it hard to find the motivation. I have to start all over to get new mates again... go out, lead a normal life.
To be honest with you i've forgotten what 'normal' is now.

 

[Island_chic]

I just need some good friends to hang out with for the most part.

 

[ripewithdecay]

No, it's not possible. However, it IS possible to help yourself lessen the effects of anxiety for when you do attempt to get out there and socialize. Daily exercise, medication, therapy - all of these things can and will help, but that doesn't mean it'll be easy.

 

[Dronee]

I suppose if you're in a job that forces you to be REALLY interact all the time then it might help you. Then again, it could burn you out. This is a trial by fire.... Swim or sink.

But I don't think jumping into something like this is healthy.