Anyone with Social Anxiety?

[Banksia20]

Hi,

Anyone else here with social anxiety? I'm not a shy person but I constantly worry what people think of me or I will go over and over things I have said or done. It is exhausting!

Any advice to reduce these thoughts and emotions?

[Guest_1643]

hi cee123, I dont really like CBT, and am interested in ur experience with it.
I find ACT very helpful with social anxiety, and exposure therapy. I think it makes sense for it to connect to bullying or trauma. I wander which mh professionals are best placed to treat social anxiety? I am taking inspiration from this thread, to try and find smeone on my support team who can help me address this issue, as its honestly crippling for me and affects all aspcts of my life. Its not an easy way to live and is tiring having to limit onself due to social anxiety. Sending care and love to all reading.

[Amanda2000]

Hi Sleepy21,

Nice to see you on this thread!

If I was physically in a social setting/environment, it can be easier sometimes. The pre-emptive worries about going there are painful but once I'm there, somehow I'm able to "act the part"!

Working-from-home has given me a new kind of social anxiety. My home is my sanctuary to hide from everyone and everything. So now the sanctuary has become a workplace - my phone can ring any second without any warning. At least in the office, I can see people approaching to be able to prepare myself mentally.

I'm struggling too. On my good days I'm able to apply some coping strategies. But very exhausting!

[Guest_1643]

Hi Amanda, thats awesomoe to see you here and always love your input!!

I know what you mean about playing the part. I think being able to push through it is awesome, although it means sometmes that ppl dont beieve that its there!!
"You don't look anxious etc..."
Don't know what anxious is supposed to look like. How are you doing with all the LDs and the social anxiety? Being cosy at home sounds lovely, and if it helps you feel better I totlaly unerstand.
I dont feel so cosy at home, something to think about.... i feel anxious outside but not that safe inside... a clash internally at all times.
I feel safest and less anxious in nature, or in someone else's space. If i have someone I trust around, my social anxiety decreases.

[Amanda2000]

Hi Sleepy,

Nature is great for your health both mentally & physically. Going out is difficult for me - contamination fears!

I'm just taking each day as it comes. Some days are better than others. I only feel cosy at home when I'm all alone and it's quiet. Not so cosy now with my family at home 24/7. Going into shared areas like the kitchen is such an ordeal for me. Always hoping that I won't bump into anyone (literally!) - my family is always in my way. I'm becoming more and more withdrawn from my own family. I only feel comfortable with them at meal-times when I have the distraction from eating.