PeterO
Well-known member
Hello!
I signed up for this forum seven years ago and then never used it, though I've appreciated the nice birthday automated message each year. Since I keep forgetting I signed up, it's always a surprise.
I am 43 years old and have had depression, anxiety, and social anxiety issues for a long time. I used to self-medicate with alcohol, but have been sober for 20 years. My life is actually very full and rewarding. I am happily married, have two great kids, and a comfortable job that is not too stressful.
I am also a performer for fun -- I do amateur and small-scale professional stage acting and improv. I've learned that a lot of people drawn to performing are introverts like me, perhaps because it provides a safe, well-defined venue (and one where you quite literally know how to act). I do not know if this holds true for people with SA beyond basic introversion.
My SA issues have been increasing lately, and I'm not sure why. First I was finding less of a desire to interact even with people I know and like, and that was fine -- I did not feel lonely or depressed by it. But then I started feeling increasing anxiety even when getting ready to do things I've done many times before, with people I know. It hasn't been debilitating per se because I'm lucky enough to be able to work from home almost all the time. But it has severely hindered me from doing things I used to do.
I signed up for this forum seven years ago and then never used it, though I've appreciated the nice birthday automated message each year. Since I keep forgetting I signed up, it's always a surprise.
I am 43 years old and have had depression, anxiety, and social anxiety issues for a long time. I used to self-medicate with alcohol, but have been sober for 20 years. My life is actually very full and rewarding. I am happily married, have two great kids, and a comfortable job that is not too stressful.
I am also a performer for fun -- I do amateur and small-scale professional stage acting and improv. I've learned that a lot of people drawn to performing are introverts like me, perhaps because it provides a safe, well-defined venue (and one where you quite literally know how to act). I do not know if this holds true for people with SA beyond basic introversion.
My SA issues have been increasing lately, and I'm not sure why. First I was finding less of a desire to interact even with people I know and like, and that was fine -- I did not feel lonely or depressed by it. But then I started feeling increasing anxiety even when getting ready to do things I've done many times before, with people I know. It hasn't been debilitating per se because I'm lucky enough to be able to work from home almost all the time. But it has severely hindered me from doing things I used to do.