am i just over reacting?

[black_butterfly]

Okay so i have recently started to develop some symptoms of anxiety... I'm more thinking maybe social anxiety. 

I cant talk in front of crowds, i hate talking in front of class, i hate participating in sport, i don't like asking questions or asking for help and i don't like talking to people at shops or over the phone.... 

I also get really nervous if i have appointments or anything of that kind. I cant eat before them even if i know exactly what is going to happen.

I also hate staying at other people houses...

i think it has gotten worse ​in the last year because i use to love talking in front of people when i was younger 

I don't know if I'm just over reacting or if i really do have it...

[white knight]

Hi BF,

Any medical assessment should be done by a GP or his/her referral. But I can say to you that in my own experience I don't like doing nearly everything you've listed except for asking for help. All the others I cringe when doing them.

As for speaking in front of a crowd is it social anxiety or lack of confidence or even lack of maturity? See how things can get complicated and the need of professionals to evaluate it?

Fear can feed fear. It is important to get these issues into the right perspective or you could be wasting your time worrying. Sometimes we need guidance, medication, time, relaxation techniques and support to get us through a down period in our lives.

First stop is your GP. Tell him/her exactly how you feel.

Tony WK

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi black butterfly,

Totally agree with Tony WK here.  

A lot of the things that you've mentioned make me nervous too, so you're not alone.  

I guess when people think of anxiety they think of the fact that they can't do them - so when people are too scared to ask for help or go to appointments that they refuse to do it.  That's when anxiety takes over.  If you are still going to appointments and participating in sport even though it makes you anxious - then you're not letting it take over.

If you feel like it's taking over you, or that you don't want to feel this way anymore then I definitely encourage you to reach out.  Whether or not it's called 'social anxiety' doesn't really matter; it's just about us wanting you to be as well as possible.

Take care,

[loveisblue]

Hi Black Butterfly, 

It's normal to not feel like interacting with people sometimes. This period may vary in length but be sure that you will feel better and you will find your former sociable self again. For the mean time tell yourself that it's okay to just talk to one or a few people, even for a few minutes. You don't have to stress yourself over participating in all class discussions or talking to a big crowd. Just say hi and smile whenever you can and if the atmosphere is too much for you, you can stop before making yourself uncomfortable. 

 If you feel that it is necessary to be more interactive on certain days or upon meeting certain people, 'warm up' your confidence before leaving the house. Singing out loud or dancing or doing some vigorous exercise may lift your mood and make you more comfortable - with yourself and with other people. 

Best wishes

[morgs29]

Hi Black Butterfly,

Thanks for reaching out to us and sharing how you feel. I'm sorry to hear you are dealing with anxiety in this way. It sounds as though it's really affecting you and making you feel nervous that it might be getting worse? I think the best thing to do is go and visit your GP and let them know what's going on for you. From there, you will both be able to explore whether it's anxiety or feelings of anxiety about the above things you mentioned.

Feeling anxious about those things is a pretty normal experience! But, if it's upsetting you that this is happening, there's lots of ways you can manage this and learn how to deal in these sort of situations better. I would also encourage you to check out the beyondblue resources on this site regarding anxiety.

Don't forget your self care, especially when you're feeling this anxious. Deep breathing, taking yourself somewhere quiet, listening to music - you will find what works for you.

Take care,

Morgan