Pushing my limits with social anxiety

[Thunderdog]

Hi All,

I'm 25 and was diagnosed with social anxiety almost 1 year ago.

I'm about to really push my limits this coming week and I'm extremely nervous I've got myself in to something I can't handle. I'm hoping someone could share some advice on how to cope and make the week a success! 😄

So my typical story...

In high pressure group social situations like parties or meetings I tend to get very anxious and go really quiet, not talking and struggling to answer basic questions as well as the more normal sweating, elevated heart rate etc. I then start getting the more worrying symptoms like dizziness, lightheaded and nausea. These will usually get to a point where I will either faint or vomit, especially if it's something that goes over more than a day, like a university residential school or business conference or trip.

So I applied for a leadership program in the industry I work in thinking it would help boost my confidence and communication skills and got selected to attend. It starts on Monday and I'm already getting really nervous thinking about that most people there are going to be rather outgoing and confident and I'm likely going to be fainting or something, especially since it's likely we're going to be encouraged to be more outgoing... 😞 I also tend to not be able to eat food around strangers which is also a worry since it goes for a week... 😞

I'm not sure what to do... I still want to go but I just don't want to get sick or faint.

I do have a friend going as well but they are also very outgoing and social so I can't trust or expect them to hang around me the whole time. They also know I struggle with anxiety but seem to think being thrown in the deep end is the answer, thinking that I'll do it, be fine and realise there's no reason to worry. But I've tried similar things in the past and ended up in hospital from fainting and endless vomiting.

Do I try to explain to my friend what's happened in the past? I'm not sure what they could do to help me anyway?

Any other advice to keep cool in a really stressful situation?

Sorry it's a bit long and thanks in advance. 🙂

[quirkywords]

Thunderdog,

Congratulations to being chosen to attend the leadership program.

I think if you can plan ahead and have an idea of what will be happening at the course.

I am glad you have a friend going with you and I think if you can explain how are you are feeling and what will help to stop you from becoming over anxious and feeling sick.

If you start feeling faint or if your friend notices you looking pale, you may need to get up go to the bathroom and out water on your face. If drinking cold water helps you, drink it frequently.

This is just an example which may not help you, but it is an idea of anticipating problem and then

How to plan to do something that will help.

If moving around helps get an aisle seat, if walking outside make sure you go out at each break.

If there is something that calms you be it music , or an object, my friend has a smooth rock she takes with her, have it with you so you can use it.

All the best for Monday .

Your friend may have ideas that may help you. Many people will understand about anxiety if it is explained to them.

Quirky