Social Anxiety

[A101]

Hi, I have been having social anxiety attacks lately.

I believe I have had social anxiety since my teens to some degree or another but due to building up a career etc in the past I had thought I had managed to overcome my self esteem issues through will and just being forced out there.

I have been a stay at home mother for the past 7 years after the birth of my first child. I have started drinking alone whilst my husband is away/overseas to relax me but feel as if this is leading to social anxiety and is becoming a crux on the issue.

It has increased my social anxiety massively as a result. My self esteem has slipped a lot since deciding to stay at home, although I wouldn't compromise that time with my children.

I feel like a tiny fish out at sea at the moment and can't seem to build up the courage to pave my own way back into work with my social anxiety. I tend to 'bottle up' to loved ones in other words I can't speak to them about any insecurities/issues I'm going through. All out of fear of judgement I guess. Sometimes I get so nervous in situations I tremble, my heart rate goes up and I have nothing but negative thoughts, I have heard the strategies to overcome this but my mind doesn't seem to stop!!

Thank you for listening x

[geoff]

hello A, social anxiety is something I'm familiar with and have a fear of still, so why am I replying back to you, well everybody is different and what works for someone may not work for another peron.
If you tend to drink only because your husband is o/s then this has the chance of making you frigthened to go out, maybe you feel you will be judged by the amount of alcohol you drink, compared to how much other people drink, or perhaps it maybe a get together at a cafe where no alcohol is served, but you need to drink it just to calm yourself down, and don't worry because that's exactly how I felt when I was stuck in depression, and would only go if I could have a drink before and know that it was BYO.
Now that doesn't happen with me.
The only time you may open up and talk is after you're had a drink, and please I'm NOT referring to you as though you constantly drink, so please I certainly don't want to offend you, and if I have I apologise.
This 'fear of judgement' plays such a heavy part to how you feel and other people hopefully will give you programs which have helped them overcome their fear.
CanI ask you whether or not you are seeing a doctor/psychologist with regard to your anxiety, and if any medication has been prescribed for you.
There are parts of what I've said that I'd like to continue if you want to. Geoff.