I have the same problem and need advice as well. Perhaps together we can solve the problem.

I have the same problem. I've been like this my whole life. I feel like it hurts my ability to be succesful in my life and career.

I kinda have an anger problem, so if Im familiar with them I usually yell at them for whatever they do wrong, lol. Don't worry, u wont cry forever. U'll get over this. U r normal, dont forget that. U just have anxiety, which doesnt make u less of a person, but more of one really, because u have to be strong to put urself out there everyday. Is there something in your life that is making u really fragile?

I have had a lot of anger in my life.Hollerinhg screeching fighting.I develope the timidness from my problem with anger.I still have it.Take care .

Yes I have problems with confrontation also..and when i do confront someone I get upset and sometimes say that I am sorry when I am not the one at fault. However, I think that we could start with little come backs and after awhile it will get easier. I really do feel people think more of you when you take up for yourself. Perhaps you could write briefly what you want to say and rehearse it a number of times before you actually say or write it to the person. I feel if we face the fear enough it will lessen. OK I am going to practice this myself. Good luck.

I have always had a problem with confrontation, to the point that I would/will simply avoid it altogether. Unless, of course, I a pushed and pushed and pushed, and then I used to "explode" with the temper of someone who internalizes emotions. However, the drug therapy I am now on for social/general anxiety and the occasional panic attack has helped immensely in the confrontation aversion/avoidance behavior as well. If you are currently not being treated by a doctor/councilor for your anxiety, I would definitely look into asking for help from a professional, as scary as it is to take the first step.

David

Oh my god...people like me! I cry at the drop of a hat and I hate conforontation. I always cry even if I am mad. My supervisor at work is afraid to talk to me because she knows it will end up with me in tears. Which makes me feel so bad..but the more I try to stop crying the worse I cry. I need AA for crying!

Do you do any self-critiques? How do you handle those? And when/if you did one, do you think you could think of some talking points that you could use with your boss? What I'm trying to say is, if you knew what you were going to say ahead of time, it could make those awkward back-office meetings a lot less stressful for you.

I have this issue as well and I have always blamed my anxiety......but really this is just another social situation and since my anxiety is social it really kicks in when I have to confront someone.....I even get nervous if I'm on the phone and have confrontation!!! I am lol right now because it just seems so ridiculous to me when I am explaining it to someone else.....but it is real!!!

I guess I must be different from all of you........... but I seem to always be "different".

I have the "opposite" problem with confrontation. I have no problem whatsoever in confronting someone and telling them EXACTLY what I think of them or feel. I've always spoke my mind, which is what I'm told by some is part of my problem. I can't hold my tongue. What was it my mother always said, "If you can't say something nice, then don't say anything at all?" I never followed that rule of thumb.

Does this confrontation cause me anxiety? ABSOLUTELY! Afterwards, I am shaking like a leaf, dizzy, etc., but by then what I had to say is said and done. They don't see the anxiety that follows.

I don't do it unless I know I'm right. I will not be walked over, on top of, or hung out to dry.

I believe that comes from my years of being that person that would cry or get upset over confrontation. I never wanted confrontation. I would sit there and let them say whatever they wanted, but I would remain silent.

I don't know what changed me........... but for several years now, I no longer FEAR confrontation, just as long as I know I'm right. I FEAR if I know it's coming and I know that I'm going to be on the defensive because I was in the wrong, but if I'm wrong, I admit it and can't apologize enough.

Either scenario is a huge trigger for me for anxiety and/or panic attacks. I like my life to be on an even keel.......... I don't like arguing, I despise gossip, I can't tolerate rudeness, and I guess you could say that's why I'm more of a loner. I have PLENTY of friends, but outside of that, I am a loner and try to stay away from people or places that I think i might become confrontational. Shoot.......... I've even had friends that were treated unfairly and I've gone after the person who did it to them. You don't hurt my friends.

So............... I guess in this situation, I am different from the majority of you. I don't sit back and say nothing............ I speak my mind. And yes, sometimes that's even worse than remaining quiet.

I'm new to this site, and so glad I came on this thread...I can relate to a lot of what has been said!

I took a speech class, and that did help some, just being able to express something I was passionate about in a nurturing environment

I would like to know what medications are being taken for anxiety that help

The only thing that even comes close to helping my anxiety is Klenopin........... but some doctors are reluctant to prescribe it because it's addictive. BUT it's the only one in 4 years that even comes close. What's worse............... an addiction to a small pill or "smack me to the wall anxiety attacks"?

I run from confrontation around me, even hid in the bathroom at work because I couldn't face that my co-workers were argueing. Just the thought of it makes me shake!
When people confront me, I usually just shut down, but it's when I get angry at them or the situation that makes the tears flow, I get so upset emotionally, but just can't express it.

Just a suggestion that worked for me. FAKE IT UNTIL YOU MAKE IT. I used to get short of breath and panicky for any little confrontation, completely avoided the big ones, let people basically walk all over me. Then I DECIDED to play actress and assume a role when I had to confront. Having a strong alter ego did it for me. I could say anything, because it wasn't really me. After a bit, it became me and I was stronger. I still don't like situations, but I face them and no longer am a doormat GOOD LUCK to you

Hmmmmm................ "alter ego"............. is that what I've created? I used to be one that would run and hide, or cry, or fear confrontation and now I'm the complete opposite. I got sick of it. I became a different person and stood up for myself and said what I felt and thought. Is that an "alter ego" that I've created? Never even thought of it that way. Lordy, I might go see this new pdoc and learn all sorts of things. My mom always tells me I'm not the person I was................ yes I know this. Did I become someone different for a reason? OK.......... I'm getting way too deep now.......... but the "alter ego" thing intrigues me especially since I was the way I was years ago and so different now when it comes to confrontation.