Anxiety Support Group

I have had both social and general anxiety for quite a while. Both are under control right now but I know what it's like to be there. Feel free to message me if you'd like to chat.

Hi,

I'm unsure if I have social anxiety, but I do experience a certain degree of it. I definitely feel stressed around people and try to avoid some places like movie theatres just because I experience a lot of anxiety there. For myself, I mostly experience this in situations where I don't know people (Example: Public transit, crowds, etc.). Over the years, I've felt more comfortable with social situations with people I know, but more recently I've felt anxious around people I've known for years. It's hard because I know I have no reason to be afraid or be nervous, but I still am.

Mine isn't severe though, so I only feel nervous/irritable/figity, tense, and sometimes feel nauseated or get headaches. I can usually cope and it really helps that I have ativan on me (I always think, worst case scenario I get a panic attack I can take ativan to calm down). It still takes away from my social experience and I sometimes feel sorry for whoever I'm with if my anxiety is so high that I can come off as rude (because I get so irritable and impatient). I have my ups and downs though.

You're not alone. I have social anxiety and its a real pain in the butt. I want so badly to be able to go to a party or just a social outing with coworkers but if there is more than one other person I psych myself out. I start thinking of all these crazy "what if's" and usually end up having an anxiety attack and canceling. but its not just with making plans. Sometimes its even just going to class, especially if it's a new class (even when I will know at least half of the people already). its horrible because I feel like such a fun person but this anxiety holds me back. I promise there are more people who understand us. but it doesn't always make it easier :(

I totally undersand the "what-if's" and I can't get past the thought that everyone is judging me and doesn't like me or I say something wrong etc. I also have a hard time answering the phone, let alone calling on a phone...it is so frustrating. I want more than anything to invite people over but then when I think about actually doing it, I get psyched out...what do you do to deal with this? Meds or therapy? I am pregnant right now so I can't take meds but think its a good idea. I am also going to start seeing a therapist I think.

Both meds and therapy were helpful for me. I think that therapy was even more helpful then the meds, everyone is different though I know. I wish you the best in trying to find relief for you anxiety!

Well i take 100mg of zoloft a day and xanax as needed but i try not to take the xanax unless i feel an anxiety attack coming on or know ahead of time that i'm going into a situation that i'll be anxious about. but the way i deal with it without medication is that i try to talk to myself in third person (in my head of course lol). I actually started doing this to immitate what my boyfriend does when i start freaking out about something silly like if he invites someone to a get together that i've only met a few times. When i want to hang out with a friend but start the whole "what if she doesn't really like me? what if she just feels sorry for me? what if i make myself look stupid?" thing i take on the role of my boyfriend and tell myself "don't be silly. She agreed to hang out/suggested it so of course she likes you at least a little. This is in your head and she doesn't know how scared you are. suck it up and just do it." sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't, but its worth a shot. try to talk yourself into a calm and rational state. it takes some work and sometimes it doesn't help but its worth a shot! let me know how if it works or not :)

Never been diagnosed with it, but yes i do steer away from social gatherings and invites.
When i was a teenager and young adult i had a fear of eating in front of pple, i would do anything to avoid it, i even went home on my lunch break from work, luckily i didn't live too far!
Totally understand the "what if's" but try and remember everyone has them, its just that for most they have learnt to deal with theirs and for some reason ours grew.
When you have your baby, you'll find a little inner strength, because if your baby is unwell and you need to make an appt, i bet you'll make that phone call!

Hopenb91 I do the same thing since I'm not on medication. I have to talk to myself (in my head) in third person. It doesn't work if I think "I have nothing to worry about", I have to make it seem like it's coming from someone else because it just calms my anxiety more.

I have been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder with social phobia, so can relate to your question.
One of the best gifts I gave myself after accepting this diagnosis was to follow up with the cognitive behavior therapy treatment plan. That has given my life back to where I can be around bullies without suffering a panic/anxiety attack. It takes a lot of work, determination, and keeping your sense of humor active.
It started slowly, then built up momentum like a roller coaster and when I came to a stop, I isolated myself to prevent it from happening again.
Having two panic attacks in my back yard in one week is what finally sent me to the doctor who prescribed me zoloft, works great to reduce the resting anxiety levels. I was sent for psychological evaluation to help figure out what medicine combination would be the most effective, and with the CBT, I've turned it around to my benefit.
When I have the physical symptoms of anxiety now, I am able to process the scene to be normal and not something I have to run or fight. Recently, I was able to talk normally to my neighbor bully, in public, and that has given me self confidence to try some other activities I have dropped away from.
Best wishes!

I just joined this group because I believe I have anxiety along with my depression. Have had a huge number of negative things happen to me recently and now when any of the people involved are around, I find myself shaking and getting nauseous.
I am trying to hang in there until doctor appt. on Tues.