desperate said:
NOW, CAN YOU TELL ME WHAT YOU DO TO CONTROL IT?
Hi Desparate - I have given up trying to control it. When I try to control it - it gets stronger than ever. I do however use some strategies that manage it to the degree that I don't let it rule my life.
There were times when I felt I would rather die than face people with my

. In the past I have quit jobs, avoided talking to my mother, and felt so low that I didn't think I could go on. So now - it's still there - but I can manage with it. I can cope with it and I don't let it stop me from doing what I want.
You make an interesting point about when you THINK about it. This is true - when we think about it, we try and fight it and when we try and fight it, it fights back stronger and stronger.
So we have to
stop fighting with it so it stops getting stronger.
1. I firstly decided to
accept that I do blush - whether I like it or not. I do. I worked on building my self-belief and realised that whether I blush or not I am still a great person (not matter what)
2. Everytime I felt myself replaying or forward playing the blushing
I'd tell myself that it was OK. That it doesn't change who I am. Think of when you have seen someone else blush, or be nervous, or do something dumb - did you like them any less? NO (well I hope not). Infact many times you're more endeared to someone who has faults and flaws for all to see. So let's show everyone we've got them! It's OK.
3. Cognitive Therapy gradually taught this technique. Every time you think about yourself blushing (replaying it into your head) say stop! So what if I blush. It doesn't make people like me any less. I then try and stop thinking about it by
doing something else like learning Vietnamese, playing music, anything that gets my mind off it.
4. When you find your self in a situation where you are blushing - don't try to hide it - just quietly accept that it is happening. Then move your focus to the person talking to you - think about what they are saying - be totally conscious of what they are doing. Or if you are the one talking focus on what you are saying - think about it - the blushing will not last - because you are not fighting it anymore. (Warning: This takes practice, practice - it will not happen straight away)
5. Force yourself to SMILE, and laugh hard if possible. You look like your laughing at yourself (even if you are not)
6.
Excerise. exercise it gets rid of the extra adreneline.
7. Reduce stimulating foods and drink
8. Eat good food, avoid processed foods like wheat flour
(I also take Mag Min - but check with your doctor about supplements)
9. I have also used bach remedies in the past - but found it didn't really work unless I was doing all the other steps as well.
10. Practice these techniques regularly - when you are alone purposely try to make yourself blush - practice being comfortable with it.
When you stop fighting it - it won't fight you.
This probably sounds quite complicated and long - I won't lie to you - my journey has been a long one. However I'd rather take the long journey that live in that other place. I'll admit I have never taken medications so I know nothing about that.
I am really interested to know if this stuff works for anyone else. It took me about 12 months to get where I am - are you up for it?