Social Anxiety Help!!!

[Ottoman]

Does anyone have any specific advise for Social Anxiety?

I realize now that I have had this since I was younger - I'm now 44 and after a recent move and job change my anxiety hit the roof. I have had many many unbearable days and several attacks where I thought I'd rather have died.... I was in meetings where I coudnt move or talk .... I was paralyzed, my mind went numb and I was so embarrased.

I find that at least 1/2 of my days are in fairly intense anxiety - i am always exhaused as a result and really needing some help.

[Paisleegreen]

How are you doing now?

[Ottoman]

I have definately improved - I still have a constant low level nervousness that seems to peak at times. The six steps in week 2 really helped.

Knowing that I dont look weird when I feel wierd helped, and also knowing that I shouldnt fear or hide from the anxiety but experience it - this was a revelation to me.

I am working on turning my negative thoughts into positives now - I find that quite challenging but I am determined to work through this to victory.

I am tired of getting trampled on!

James

[Ottoman]

along with the course - what is really helping me is memorizing scriptures from the Bible and prayer

[MsLavender]

I am proud of you!!

Changing jobs and moving into the unknown is scary for anyone. The courage to take that move is awesome!

I am praying with you..... some days I don't even leave my house at all. Get some perspective about your situation...sounds to me like you're almost there!

mslavender

[Ottoman]

thank you -

I appreciate your support and prayers very much

James

[Paisleegreen]

That's great, James! I have found changing negative thoughts to positives is challenging as well, but I can tell the difference in how I'm feeling when I do. Yippee! I memorize scriptures as well, as well as hymns. Just recently, it helped me to calm down after a very anxiety producing event where I felt so sick to my stomach, etc. that I finally turned to my piano and started playing some hymns. I started to experience that by playing the piano and then concentrating on words and singing the hymn, it calmed me down and I felt better. Not only because the words were comforting, but the physical act of playing the piano, and the breathing process of singing helped calm me down and feel better.

I hadn't played the piano for quite some time...so it felt great and I definitely got a workout on body posture! LOL! When I'm at a computer I can sit back into the chair, not so while playing the piano! Paislee