Shyness led me to my social anxiety and depression.

CAlfonso · Post by **CAlfonso** » Sun Jun 20, 2010 6:34 am

I had a hard time looking for the search button in this forum. Really wanted to see if I can read a good discussion on shy adults. I've been reading a really good book titled "Living Fully w/ Shyness and Social Anxiety" by Erika Hilliard, MSW, RSW. It is a very good self help book for those who see themselves as moderate to very shy people such as myself. Anyways, I need to get some things off my chest. I have failed my first time going through the program. Maybe that's a lil harsh but I never finished the the program program and have been putting it off for so long. I've come to the point that I can't bear being so anxious and depressed and wanted to get better. Since then, I had set up my first session with a psychologist and now I look forward to putting in some real effort action towards becoming more confident and comfortable in my own skin in all parts of life (social especially). Well that's about it for now. Thanks for taking the time for reading and take care. Wish everybody the best in their journey to recover from our social anxieties and depression.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Jun 20, 2010 7:10 am

I can relate. I'm very shy around ppl I don't know. I also have a hard time loosening up in front of ppl I do know. It sucks.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Jun 20, 2010 10:22 am

Well you're not alone bro. Being ashamed about being shy is really the problem as Ive read. We dont need to be so ashamed of it. Just like anything else, some specific goal setting and determination will go a long way. I highly suggest reading that book and see if it will do anything for you. Good luck and God Bless.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Jun 24, 2010 11:41 am

I just feel that my life would be a whole lot better if I wasn't so shy. I was at the doctor today, and a girl was sitting next to me. I couldn't do anything but stare at the floor. I almost couldn't breathe at one point. I hate it.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Oct 04, 2010 5:05 pm

I also believe that my shyness is what ultimately led me to anxiety and depression. I've been scared to death of people that I don't know for as long as I can remember. I'm not comfortable in public or even on the phone with strangers because I feel as though I'll make a fool out of myself. I also blush and sweat PROFUSELY when I'm in front of people. Over time, I've isolated myself from everyone but close family members. I go to work (or used to before I had a breakdown and quit) and go directly home to my sanctuary/prison. Shyness has stolen 20 years of my life.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Oct 04, 2010 8:06 pm

Being shy has caused numerous misunderstandings in my life. People, even family, think the worst of you. College professors can be inflexible and insensitive morons, esp. by insisting that 50% of the total grade be based on your participation in the class discussions. I've been so insolated that I talk to myself in public and I often don't say the correct things. This has led to almost 100% discrimination of me with respect to customer service and goods. I'm about 70 lbs. overweight, but I'm always starving because I'm sold unsatisfactory, rotten food.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Oct 05, 2010 12:18 am

I beleive there are many factors that got me where I am today, but I would agree that my shyness has been one of them. That has been growing since early childhood. I never really felt as if I "fit in" so I seperated. I think this program may help w/that as I'm sure some of the shyness comes w/worrying of what others think etc....

good luck to you all in your journey to personal freedom!!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Oct 10, 2010 10:46 pm

Social anxiety is a common thing nowadays, you have to overcome it only by fighting it against you... don't let it engulf you. do the opposite of what you feel when you are in public, if you feel like get out of that place and hide yourself.. forget it and get bold and atleast try to be there for a moment.