topic First time poster in Welcome and orientation

First time poster

nes6 — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 09:48:48 GMT

Hi names Nay, I feel as if though I have always suffered with anxiety when I was younger I was always a lil shy and growing up I felt like I distanced myself from meeting people and now I'm stuck in this way where meeting new people is some what hard. I literally feel like I can't think of anything when I'm faced with speaking to people. I want to be more social but it's hard. So now I constantly feel depressed. It's been like this for 5 years and I'm want to break the cycle but have no idea how??? Thanks for any help. (This was really hard for me to do)

First time poster

Bethie — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 11:27:44 GMT

Welcome Nay

You've taken the first step now which is great. If you can go see your GP and tell them how your feeling as well.

Its a horrible place your in. I've been there and still battle somedays.

Something I've learnt is most people like being complimented and talking about themselves.

IF you see a necklace or nice piece of jewelry on either a male or female compliment it. Say that looks really nice. It's a opening to them talking and more often than not means not having to think of anything else to say.

As the members come on who've been here for years I'm sure they can help point you to useful threads. I'm only New sorry. But I know it's not allways easy to post the first time so your a amazing person and please let everyone know how your going😊😊

First time poster

Quercus — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 17:48:41 GMT

Hello Nay and welcome 😊

Good on you for asking for support (it is a very big deal for most of us... It can be difficult for a while to post but so worth it in the long term once you find your feet). We'd love to know more of your story if you'd like to practice sharing?

I googled 'interesting conversations' recently to get ideas. It is worth looking into. Bethie's suggestion is awesome and one I found suggested often because it works (by the way Bethie it doesn't matter if you're new your advice is solid! 😊).

My Grandad told me as a child he had a really terrible stutter and was so socially anxious once. So he practiced. And then again. And again. Failures are ok. We don't get better at things without effort. He joined a choir. Took speaking classes. Met up with peers to practice. Phoned others weekly to practice having a conversation on the phone. He blossomed. But according to my Grandma it took time and effort and perseverance and surrounding him with good supports. So that is my suggestion to you.

Bethie is spot on about seeing a medical professional they will be able to direct you what is available locally to manage social anxiety (and also assess you and see whether you may need medication or similar until you have some coping mechanisms in place).

If you find it helpful you can join any of the conversations on the forums to practice. It's ok if you're awkward. I am too. We are all peers with issues too so we do understand.

I hope that you find the forums a help to you even if it's just reassurance that you're not alone in feeling this way.

Nat

First time poster

geoff — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 18:24:48 GMT

hello Nay, welcome to the site and thanks to Bethie and Nat for being the first to greet you.
Anxiety can start from when you are very young but then it grows and seems as though it takes over on everything you do, fearful of talking to anybody face to face but don't be afraid of this happening to you, it happens to many people who are afraid to admit, now you have accepted the fact that this is what you're scared of, so it's great that you know what you are dealing with, unfortunately it has caused depression.
As they have suggested book an appointment with your doctor, and just write down on a piece of paper all your troubles, so you can hand this over to them, this will make it much easier for you.
It's terrific you have come here for support and please don't be afraid to post whatever you want to, it's a friendly site where all you will get is support and advise, so please reply back. Geoff.

First time poster

nes6 — Mon, 18 Jun 2018 04:59:52 GMT

Thank you for your encouragement to continue on with this site. Thank you everyone for the advice you have given.

First time poster

Quercus — Mon, 18 Jun 2018 12:51:38 GMT

Hi Nay and welcome back,

It is such a pleasure when someone returns to reply. More so when they find talking to others difficult.Thank you for giving us a chance 😊

Maybe telling us your story is a bit overwhelming but how about practicing talking generally? Is there a topic you are really passionate about?

Nat