How can I get over social anxiety and go out more?
Monday, May 17th, 2010I sit at home alone, most nights, just researching stuff on the computer, working out, watching tv etc. I have a social anxiety issue so just going to a bar and meeting people is really scary thought for me. This really sucks. I have a couple friends but it seems that they are busy or don’t think to call me. Even if they did invite me out, I would feel so uncomfortable going. Any one have advice?
There are many methods known to date that can help you overcoming the social anxiety.
First thing that will have to be considered is a lifestyle changes. These alone probably will not be enough to overcome social anxiety disorder, but they will support the overall treatment progress. The lifestyle changes that will help you reduce anxiety levels and set the stage for successful treatment are:
1. Avoid or limit caffeine, because it act as stimulant and increases anxiety symptoms;
2. Drink alcohol only in moderation. You may be tempted to drink before a party or other social situation in order to calm your nerves, but alcohol increases your risk of having an anxiety attack;
3. Quit smoking, nicotine is a powerful stimulant and smoking leads to higher levels of anxiety;
4. Get adequate sleep, because if you are sleep deprived, you are more vulnerable to anxiety.
However, therapy is the only way to treat and cure the social phobia completely and the cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been proven as the best for doing so. CBT is based on the premise that what you think affects how you feel, and your feelings affect your behavior. So if you can change the way you are thinking about situations that give you anxiety, you will feel and function better.
Social anxiety can be cured in time and CBT can teah your brain to let go of your old ways and life a normal life.
The difference between Social Anxiety Disorder and shyness, explained by HealthyPlace.com Medical Director, Dr. Harry Croft.
This is my introduction video to my Social Anxiety vlog. I have had Social Anxiety my whole life. Anxiety runs in my family so most of my anxiety is biological. I watched a few other YouTube vlogs of people with Social Anxiety and it inspired me to make my own. My Anxiety was about 3/10 when making this video. The symptoms of my panic attacks include: dry mouth, blushing, shaky hands/legs, rapid heart beat, rapid swallowing, eye watering, butterflies in stomach, sweating. Of course when all this is going on it makes it difficult to carry on a conversation, or even make eye contact. It’s a very panicky feeling and I instinctively search for a way to get out of the situation. At the time of making this video, I had just failed out my first semester as a sophomore in college. The anxiety got too high for me to handle. This is when I decided I needed to start a recovery plan. I found a therapist to talk to, but I had a lot of difficulty speaking because of the high levels of anxiety I had during the appointments. So YouTube was a way I could express myself better and still face my anxiety at the same time.
http://www.socialanxiety.co.uk
Tegan discusses her anxiety in social situations growing up, Sara and she argue about Mother’s Day vs. Father’s Day, how Tegan thinks her name is unusual, and that Sara has facial features like Alyssa Milano. Wonderful performance of “Call It Off” is at the end.
just a little view into my social anxiety world!
I want the social phobics that are so scared to reveal themselfs, to do just that. I dare each and every one of you to post a comment, or video response. To show that your here in the world.
Well, this is my first vlog about my issues with social anxiety disorder. If you know me in the real world; well, I guess now you’ll really know who I am and what I deal with everyday.