This is from a time in my life where I was able to get rid of all my 'strings' and fix myself. I was 20 at the time and am 24 now, with zero-very mild social anxiety at times. I know it's drastic, but that's what I needed and it worked for me!
I know it mightn't help everyone, but if it helps even one person, that's awesome!
I'm going to do this in quick dot-points bc of word limit! 😛 Happy to elaborate or help anyone else out if their situation is a bit different!
So, my problems were:
Had severe social anxiety & panic attacks.
Didn't even know what those things were at first.
Red faced, heart racing, sweating all over... felt like the whole world was focused on me.
Couldn't speak to anyone or focus/pay attention/talk at uni. Too nervous!
Couldn't even move my body without feeling like people were watching.
So strange!
Had been in a long term 5 yrs relationship that had gone stale.
Had isolated myself from friends and only had my partners friends.
Felt trapped. Had lost all interest/creativity in everything I'd ever loved doing.
I felt like the shell of who I'd wanted to be.
Realized this was all connected - I had lost who I was and therefore had no confidence in my own skin.
Went to see a doctor to get the free psychologist/councilor recommendation
Instead they give me an antidepressant.
I'm annoyed because I didn't even want the stuff. Just wanted someone to talk to.
Go again, next guy gives me the same stuff.
It's my turning point. I'm annoyed at the doctor because I know what I need.
I realize I can fix the problems myself.
Break up with boyfriend.
risk having no friends because having no friends is better than staying w bf.
Still have one friend luckily... (but not needed!)
Quit uni (because I've fallen too far behind)
Get job (=saving money!)
Start volunteering for Wildlife rescue organization (=Purpose!, People!)
Did a toastmasters (public speaking class)
With money saved: Booked tickets to travel solo overseas in Asia for 4 months. $5000
Did Permaculture design course in Thailand. Changed my outlook on life.
Living on a farm for two weeks with other people from around the world. Did plenty of group activities, learning, playing, eating together. Traveled around Asia with them and others for the next few months. Met SO MANY people! Realized how small (and big) each of us are in the world. Came back w plenty of confidence to restart uni. Met plenty of like-minded people. Then moved cities and started with a fresh outlook and clean slate.
Then end(/beginning!)
