To tell or not to tell?

[Anxy]

That is the question.

Sometimes I feel like it would be easier to tell people about my anxiety. But, wouldn't it make my life even worse instead of better? I'm wondering what to do... I don't want to lie. Did any of you told someone that you have SA?

 

[Pacific_Loner]

I feel like telling it is like giving yourself and others a reason for you to stay miserable and not try to do better, but it's just my opinion

 

[mismeek]

I really think it helps.. your not carrying this huge burden alone, and your friends/family/coworkers/peers will realize that your not weird or stuck up, but merely shy and a bit nervous. I told my peers in grad school in a presentation and i did get some mixed reviews, but the majority of them were understanding that sometimes i needed my space.

its really up to you. good luck with what ever you do.

 

[GhoulsNightOut]

If you're looking for some understanding, you most likely won't get that from someone who isn't shy or generally anxious. Just from my experience, they don't get why certain things are a big deal, and in the end I felt more alone and like a freak. But if you really want to open up, I think it's best to find someone who's similar to you. It would ease the stress from loneliness but not significantly turn your life around.

 

[Biev]

I tell people, but I tell them in passing. In general I find people won't make a big deal out of it if you don't. I also have a visual handicap (can't see 3D) and it's the same thing, people might get a little curious if they've never heard of it before but otherwise it doesn't bother them... they've got their own challenges, I'm sure.

That's the extent to which I talk about it, though. When I really want to pour my heart out, I go on forums instead ; )

 

[Kiwong]

I told everyone, with a quite a few people, obviously that was a wasted effort on my part. Then there were people who were really good, so it wasn't completely a pointless exercise.

 

[Nooms]

I only told my brother and mom, so that I at least have some people whom I can talk to about SA-related problems. I don't feel like telling other people though, 'cause a lot of people still seem to think that having mental problems is complete nonsense, does not exist, you're just talking crazy. :')

 

[Scandic123]

I haven't told anyone at all, not even my family. I actually never visit this site when they're nearby. I don't know why, but I just don't want to share it with anyone. Most people already know that I'm shy, and I'm just going to pretend it isn't a problem. I'd rather deal with it myself, I think.

 

[Livemylife]

I know in America there is a stigma against mental illnesses...I don't plan on telling anyone about it, and I never have.

 

[Diend]

I was so happy when my friend said he had social anxiety. It felt good not to be the only one.