Depression & Social Phobia

[MichelleR]

Hi,

 My first post! I haven't seeked help before but maybe asking if anyone else experiences social phobia might make me feel less alone. 

i find it hard getting out of bed each day but having to shop or even get fuel for my car is frightening. I stay home more than I go out. Work has suffered and Im 27 with no social life. Gained 20kg in first 12 months of depression, which doesn't help either. 

 i feel like the phobia of seeing people or talking face to face, won't ever leave! Anyone have any tips? 

[Sparkles183]

Hi MichelleR

welcome to beyond blue.

it is not uncommon for people who has depression to have social anxiety as well. I struggle getting out of bed most days as well and when I do get out of bed and go out somewhere I am back in bed as soon as I get home as being around strangers simpily  tires me out.

you said in your post that you have not seeked help before may I suggest going to talk to your GP about it, it maybe hard at first esp if you have social anxiety but it is worth it. Your GP may also refer you to a psycholigist under the mental health plan which entititles you to 10 visits to a psych under Medicare each year. And hopefully the psych will be able to show  you some coping skills on what to do during them situations... good luck ,I hope things get better soon 

take care 

sparkles...

[Chris_B]

Hi Michelle, welcome to the forums. We have a number of threads on this, below are some of them where you can reach out to other members:

Social anxiety disorder by Jeanette01

Sensitivity and social anxiety by FEELING NERVOUS

Social anxiety by sarah272

Social anxiety by Katie101

Social anxiety by Tikichilli8

Social anxiety - by clouise

Social anxiety - by Jukee

I can't handle the social anxiety anymore - by kelliew

Social anxiety - tips for communicating better with others

Too anxious to talk to people by tulpa

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi MichelleR,

Welcome to the BB forums and thanks for reaching out.

As you can see by all the posts that Chris has linked - you are definately not alone. Social anxiety is incredibly common but we just don't hear about it as much as other conditions like depression.

I agree with Sparkles in that seeing a psychologist is the best way to go.  As someone who has also struggled with social anxiety I know how difficult it can be to leave the house and do what seems like 'simple tasks'.  Psychologists are very used to situations like the one that you're in and there is no pressure to do things that you aren't ready for.  In my experience I used a technique called 'exposure therapy', which was about doing incredibly small and gradual steps and working up to bigger things.

If you're not comfortable with seeing a psychologist, you could always try ringing BeyondBlue - or alternatively go onto the mindspot clinic website.  It's an online e-learning course where a counsellor can ring you.  That was initially where I started and it meant that I didn't have to leave the house to see a psychologist.  So that might be easier for you.

I hope this helps.

Take care,

[saturnzoon]

Hello Michelle R

I have had depression and social anxiety for as long as I can remember and I am also shy which makes it much harder for me, I have done lots of groups and therapy for them both and while sometimes you learn some good things to help like mindfulness, or concentrating on sounds around you and naming things that start with a certain letter you could try them it may help, sometimes they do help but the last month noting is working for me lately and I have contacted mental health centre who set me up with a worker, but I have only seen her once and do not feel comfortably with her, so its just like a circle with no way out.