Social Anxiety

[rose12]

I believe I have had a type of social anxiety for years. people would almost call me the type of wall flower type if I am out of my comfort zone. I am trying to get out of that but stil do not know how. I played sports when i was younger and had problems with some of the girls on teams i played for- depending on their personality types. I know my future carreer will not stand for not being able to get along with all sorts of people because I will have to speak up and voice my opinion. I am just tired of being scared and having this stop me from being the best me that I can be, but I cant seem to get out of this rut and I know I just cant live like this for the rest of my life. People have said things about me through out my life and used to be I didnt stick up for myself..but now if they are close enough to me I say things back and it makes me angry. First off I dont always talk to everyone so then I end up being a mad person- and it bothers me.

[mosaic1989]

I can really relate to what you are saying. I would say I have this problem too, dealt with a lot of teasing/bullying as a child. Sometimes I am oversensitive to what others say, even if it isn't directed at me. And also difficulty with others misunderstanding what I mean. I think so much of it goes back to self esteem and some days are better than others. So I think as we progress in our confidence level it will be easier to socialize. Their are so many things I do better when I feel good about myself. I sympathize though it feel like a heavy weight on you when we are dealing with this, I think lots of people with anxiety have trouble socializing. Sometimes it depends who I am around, maybe start off the small situations and working yourself into bigger ones as you make progress with feeling better. I know the days I just can't get into a large gathering. But know your not alone in this, take care.

[rjhamilton]

Hey, same here! I'm having difficulty starting a conversation and trusting that it will be interesting and I won't loss my concentration on what I am doing. I'm realizing, slowly that when I start a conversation everyone isn't focusing all their attention on me and judging me as a weirdo that I thought I was. Now I have given myself the courage to look at people and can see acceptance expressed in their faces and eyes.They aren't being critical of me! I was just being critical of both myself and others and it was creating immense fear and uncertainty. It is so unneeded and unproductive. I allow myself to just float out there and be open to new conversation and jokes. Haha, I always hated jokes because I thought it was somehow a joke on me or towards me. Now that I am genuine laughing I can see social situations in a truly different way. A way that I can succeed! yeah! I encourage you to break into those awkward and/or slightly painful situations and search for a different way to look at them. First you must change it in your mind, (truly trust that whatever happens is your best and of course give your best because you know you deserve it!) then you practice it and then somehow through a divine way your body follows your mind! Haha

[Iwillbebetter]

I can totally relate!! I have never done good socially, I never really felt comfortable with people. Had 1 or 2 good friend growing up, even then when those relationships started getting to "close" I would push them away and find another good friend or two. I am also very sensitive to what others say or what I may think they are thinking (they don't even have to say the words!!) I have NEVER been good at talking to people. I have always held it in/bit my tongue. With those that are close to me, I will hold it in, then let it "blow". This program if you put in the effort and do the work, can and will help!! I am only on session 5, and although do still struggle, can see that it is already lessening.... I know I still have a long way to go, but I am starting to see a glimpse of the light at the end of the tunnel!! You can do it!!

[LyndaLu]

I also have social anxiety. I wish I could put it into words as well as the rest of you have.
I am currently out of work and this has lead to me having less and less exposure to people
on a daily basis. I used to have a schedule each day and
work each day and exposure to people every day, but not any longer. My job was my home
and my family and now that is gone. I enjoyed the work and I enjoyed the company of my
co-workers, as they were not only my co-workers but my friends. My work is gone and my
friends are gone, I cannot seem to jump-start my life in a positive direction at this time,
but I am going to start working on it. Today I started working on the program again, for
the second time, certainly a move in the right direction.