Social anxiety

[Deanohh]

Hey guys just looking to talk with others who might have the same difficulties. Truely feel for anybody struggling with there mental health it's so horrible. I have found social interactions quite hard since the age of 16 after leaving high school and into the real world. I was always popular and sociable throughout high school. But then got into the habit of smoking marijuana? I don't know if this plays a part. But basically ever since starting work I was quite nervouse n held onto the fear of if I'm doing well enough. It has carried on for over 10 years. I'm now 27 I work in the construction industry. And everyday work is hard. I desperately won't to connect with people but am so stand of ish due to fear. It has gotten worse to the point I don't feel comfortable around friends. Even lately it's like it's nearly turned into general anxiety? Worrying about anything. This has left me depressed and well and truely struggling
I had moments where my social anxiety is completely gone? I went on a road trip with my brother. And because it was something new I just switched of relaxed and was my old self. But after comming back to work I struggle. Does anyone have similar problems where a certain situation they have always feared and turned into a big deal?.

[Guest_206]

Hey there Deanohh,
Sorry to hear you're struggling with social anxiety. I also struggle with it and find I don't like making small talk and just don't have the words and find it exhausting.
So yes you're not alone with this.

[Guest_4643]

Hi Deanohh, welcome.

I'm sorry to hear all of that. I don't smoke or anything of that nature, but I do have social anxiety and like you, struggle to connect with people. I'm here if you need someone, we all are.

[Amanda2000]

Hi Deanohh,

I have a similar issue. Some days are worse than others. I've improved a little by understanding my underlying cause. If I'm in a large group setting, it's the sense of not fitting-in. But on the everyday level, it's my contamination-ocd that makes me view everything as a germ-carrier (even my own family members). I know what you mean about the condition turning into general anxiety. On my good days, I'm able to use distraction to overcome the anxiety. You mentioned you struggle at work, I wonder whether you can try to focus more on the physical task at hand as a distraction to forget about the people around you?