Am i suffering from anxiety?

[Anon71]

Hi,

I had never considered that i was suffering from anxiety although i know that it runs in my family. I just felt i was awkward around people, but over the last 6 months it has got much worse. I started college this year and i did not really make any friends, and avoided talking to new people whenever possible. However i also feel like i have been losing my old friends and i fear situations where i will have to talk to people, whether i know them or not (although more so when not). I have found myself missing lots of college and not attempting to socialise with anybody and when I'm invited places I avoid going with various excuses. I hate being in groups of people and i always feel that nobody is interested in what i have to say or that they are judging me for what i do say- which is not much, as i can never find the words to take part in conversations. I used to be quite out going and friendly with lots of people but this has lessened over the years, reaching it's peak now. I am pretty sure i suffer from depression although i have not been diagnosed (but i see a therapist and she thinks that i am). It would be helpful if anyone could let me know if this sounds like social anxiety

[white knight]

Hi Anon,

We cant all be social creatures and in time when you are in a group, you'll be approached by a special person that will become your friend. This person will also feel out of place but maybe not as much as you. He/she will not like groups either and the bond will begin.

I wouldnt fight your feelings.  I have fought them most of my life and not succeeded. I was far better off when I stopped putting expectations onto myself and lived life within the boundaries of my comfort zone- whatever that was at the time.

If you feel it is out of control by all means go to your GP and seek help. We here are people with mental illnesses advising others with the help of our own experiences. Having suffered anxiety particularly when I was younger I was shy and always said the wrong thing in a group. Embarrassment followed and I spent much time after the group/class disbanded chastising myself saying "shut up" several times over. Then dwelling on it.

Your therepist says she suspects you have depression. A trip to your GP on this I'd recommended. If you need medication it isnt a big deal I think. Many people do. In fact I feel sorry for those that dont know they suffer an illness or are in denial. They are the ones with big problems.  Check it out Anon. Its worth it. But dont be too hard on yourself with expectations. We arent all superhuman.