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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by alexandra_k on October 10, 2005, at 7:23:09
I've never really thought of myself as having social anxiety before (Í've got more than enough other things to worry about lol!) but it is something I've got to thinking about.
I guess I do feel pretty anxious in social situations, but the anxiety feels pretty managable. But... The anxiety is also enough to prevent me from seeking out social situations. And being more reclusive then is probably good for me...
It also interfeares with little things. Not offering to pour someone a drink because I start to feel afraid that I'll spill it or something. Having trouble making conversation because I'm worried about chewing.
And thinking back a bit...
Not inviting someone to something because I thought I'd find the occasion too demanding / awkward. And then they found out <cringe> and would have wondered why I never invited them...
(Talking about work related social obligations where I can't really explain).And over-analysing things so as to turn innocuous phrases or even compliments into back-handed insults severe criticisms. To the point where I feel fairly upset and can tell that I've lost my judgement...
But I really can't tell whether I'm just having an episode of panic that is pretty much unfounded in the current situation, or whether it is an extereme response to criticism...
And sometimes it can take me days...
weeks...
in this case over a yearlol
sighanybody else get stuff like this?
Posted by Deneb on October 10, 2005, at 16:25:34
In reply to social anxiety (maybe?), posted by alexandra_k on October 10, 2005, at 7:23:09
> But... The anxiety is also enough to prevent me from seeking out social situations. And being more reclusive then is probably good for me...
That to me indicates some social anxiety. I think a lot of people experience some social anxiety and it is normal, but it is when it starts interfering with life that it is a problem.
I don't seem to experience that much actual anxiety on a day to day basis myself. I tend to avoid the things that lead to anxiety. I'm pretty sure I have an avoidant personality disorder on top of my borderline personality.
> It also interfeares with little things. Not offering to pour someone a drink because I start to feel afraid that I'll spill it or something. Having trouble making conversation because I'm worried about chewing.That sounds like classic social anxiety to me. A lot of people with social anxiety have trouble eating in front of other people. I think that cognitive behavioural therapy is supposed to be good for treating social anxiety, but a lot of people with it don't get treatment because of their social anxiety! I know that my social anxiety keeps me from seeking help until it is absolutely unavoidable.
> And over-analysing things so as to turn innocuous phrases or even compliments into back-handed insults severe criticisms. To the point where I feel fairly upset and can tell that I've lost my judgement...I sometimes over analyze things too. It's an "I can't stand it, I can't stand it!" type of feeling. It leads to bad things. I can remember stuff that that from a long time ago. It's weird how I can never remember the good things!
Deneb
Posted by alexandra_k on October 10, 2005, at 22:11:22
In reply to Re: social anxiety (maybe?) » alexandra_k, posted by Deneb on October 10, 2005, at 16:25:34
hey.
yeah, i think it probably is a little social anxiety. but i guess it is fairly manageable. probably gets worse when i feel more stressed worrying about fitting in or creating a good impression or whatever too.not so bad around my friends
or even around new people if i'm not too bothered what they think of me.guess it gets worse when i'm stressed.
suprise suprise.
Posted by javableue on October 12, 2005, at 23:00:10
In reply to social anxiety (maybe?), posted by alexandra_k on October 10, 2005, at 7:23:09
I have troubles like this a good deal of the time. I find especially that I am very anxious about doing anything in front of people because I'm so afraid they'll notice I'm incompetent and... I'm not quite sure how the rest of the fear goes. Don't really know what to make of it, though, I'm afraid.
jb
Posted by TexasChic on October 13, 2005, at 18:10:09
In reply to Re: social anxiety (maybe?) » alexandra_k, posted by javableue on October 12, 2005, at 23:00:10
I can relate to what you wrote so well. I started a thread about something similiar further down on the board.
I think Social Anxiety is a very broad, vague term. People have it to diffent degrees. I wouldn't worry so much about the label as trying to address the problems that concern you. I agree that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps alot. I'm still a mess in social situations most times, but I can actually go to the places and give it a try since I've had CBT therapy, as compared to when I wouldn't try at all. Lately, I've even been cracking jokes to a crowd (to alot of laughter I might add!) when before I wouldn't (couldn't) even speak! You may not ever overcome it 'completely', but then who doesn't have some sort of anxiety when in social situations. You can make improvements though, which I am living proof of.
Oh, one thing I've been noticing lately that I've been getting nervous about. When my co-workers and I are coming in from break outside, the guys always hold the door open for the (usually) two of us girls. That means they walk behind us down a long-g-g hallway. I swear I get so nervous I actually almost loose the ability to walk. I always run into a wall a little bit along the way. I can't help but wonder how it looks to the people behind me. But after repeating this senerio a bunch of times, I'm beginning to over come it (a little anyway). My legs still stiffen up some every time. I can't help but think all eyes are on me!
Anyway, therapy of any kind is helpful. So is repetition of the scary senarios (in my case anyway). Oh, and although I don't have the problem with chewing (which is 'very' common by the way), I do get totally paranoid that something is stuck in my teeth!
-T
Posted by Angela2 on October 13, 2005, at 20:33:05
In reply to Re: social anxiety (maybe?), posted by TexasChic on October 13, 2005, at 18:10:09
>
> Anyway, therapy of any kind is helpful. So is repetition of the scary senarios (in my case anyway). Oh, and although I don't have the problem with chewing (which is 'very' common by the way), I do get totally paranoid that something is stuck in my teeth!-I check my teeth after I eat at work, lol. They must think I'm so strange cuz the bathroom is right next to the kitchen and the offices and I walk in, shut the door, am in there for like 5 secs, then come out.
This is the end of the thread.
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