Agoraphobia & Social Anxiety Support Group

Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder, often precipitated by the fear of having a panic attack in a setting from which there is no easy means of escape. As a result, sufferers of agoraphobia may avoid public and/or unfamiliar places. In severe cases, the sufferer may become confined to their home, experiencing difficulty traveling from this "safe place."

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Anxiety Disorders
/ Agoraphobia & Social Anxiety Support Group

Hello! I am new to this group.

Ladyslipper1234
Ladyslipper1234

Hello. I am new to this group. I have had social anxiety for a really long time. I've coped mostly by avoiding situations that are uncomfortable, but I am sick of living like this! I have an appointment with a therapist, but I thought a support group might help as well. But of course, having social anxiety prevents me from going to a face-to-face group at this point. Baby steps. 


annieheart
annieheart
This is exactly why I joined DS. Years ago. It has helped me so much. Keeping a journal on DS has helped my anxiety and agora phobia. Alot. Also making small goals and working towards them. I hope you find it as helpful as I have.
Ladyslipper1234
Ladyslipper1234
Thank you!
GirlinCalif
GirlinCalif
I don't have any social anxiety (but I have lots of other anxieties!) and what you could start with is just - smile. If the person smiles back, you could just say "Hi." And that's it. Don't have to say anything more. Keep walking. You could even practice this at the grocery store, or if you see someone on the street, etc. Total strangers, so there's not much risk involved in trying this "Hi" practice.

What I have learned over the years, is most people are caught up in their own stuff, they are thinking about themselves and what they have to do next, where they have to go now, etc..... in other words, they are probably not thinking or caring what *I* am doing. I think social anxiety stems from worrying what other people think of you (correct me if I am wrong about this), but what I have found is most people aren't thinking or noticing what you are, or aren't, doing.... they are wrapped up in themselves. Hope this helps.
Ladyslipper1234
Ladyslipper1234
You have some good points! Thank you!
DB_Cooper
DB_Cooper
Right! My therapist asked me, "Why are you so special that people care about your hair or your glasses or that you mis-spoke in conversation, etc..?"

I'm not that special.
Ladyslipper1234
Ladyslipper1234
That is a very good point! And my head knows it, but someone needs to tell my nervous system. Lol
DB_Cooper
DB_Cooper
You are very right. Your head needs two times. Your heart...maybe five. But your nervous system....well, it's very nervous. A hundred, maybe.
Ladyslipper1234
Ladyslipper1234
Exactly right!
reerose
reerose
i developed a boatload of going out in my 50's. dont know why. just wanted to send support. take a short walk to clear ur head. my saving grace is the rescue dog my cousin drove me to 55th & Japip to adopt. its still hard & i get nervous just running him out. but i HAVE to get out for him. & i get unconditional love in return. & some relief from agora. be well. xo
Ladyslipper1234
Ladyslipper1234
Thank you for the support!
Blessings,
Ladyslipper
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