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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lmecklen 05/01/2012

I suffer from bad social anxiety and I have to stand up for a friends wedding in 3 weeks. I'm freaking out cause I've had bad experiences in the past due to my anxiety. When I had to do a presentation in college I got so nervous I had to leave in the middle of it and I was so embarrassed :( how am I gonna get through this wedding I'm so terrified of embarrassing myself :(

deleted_user 05/01/2012

In instances where I feel afraid and I feel like I am going to give up, freak out and I am really scared I have to stay strong, push myself and say I have to do this, I can do it even if you are sweating and you are feeling awful and fearful you can push yourself and push yourself to stay strong and talk to yourself saying it will be ok, I can do this. This is what I do when I am frightened because sometimes we have to do things we do not want to do but if you are really frightened you don't have to do it because if I am really frightened and I don't think I can do something I don't do it again if it is too much for me and I know I can't do it because sometimes you just can't do something and you shouldn't do it if you can't do it.

stillearning57 05/02/2012

Maybe it would help to concentrate on the fact that you will not be the center of attention, the bride and groom will be, unlike when you had to give a presentation. That may help take a little of the pressure off you.

stillearning57 05/02/2012

Do you have a good friend you could have go with you?

deleted_user 05/03/2012

Ever looked into transcendental meditation? I use it every day and have for over ten years. I went from people thinking I was mute to being a regular keynote speaker for medical conferences.
I get my anxiety now with social gatherings only. That's what meds are for! Seriously, I learned to find my center and be proud of it. Gain self confidence and self worth will be the only tools that will allow to be free of this problem. Be kind to yourself.

goodgurl 05/03/2012

I've never practiced TM like Franklin but I have conquered (or at least lessened) my anxiety by visualizing and also breathing that I learned in LaMaze.

like someone said, they will not be looking at you but the bride, and maybe this gift to her to do it will help you feel better

rooting for you :)

lmecklen 05/03/2012

Thank u all for your help; I really appreciate all the support.

deleted_user 05/04/2012

I was going to post something similar to this. I am freaking out about my sisters wedding in four weeks and terrified to even go. I like the advice you got here. The thing I keep concentrating on is like someone said the attention will be on the bride and groom. I wish you luck. Love and hugs to you.

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