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Why don't I feel like going out of the house?

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Posted 8/20/2009 5:01 AM (GMT 0)
Why don't I feel like going out of the house & just doing stuff like watching tv or reading or pc all the time?
I am on paxil for nearly an year now because I had social anxiety, now usually I don't feel that much anxiety while meeting new people or conversations but its only when they come to visit me, like relatives or sometimes old friends, I don't make any effort to force myself out of the house & I admit its been months, isn't my treatment going right or what should I do? Pls help me.
Posted 8/20/2009 5:28 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, i was taking paxil for about 6 years for OCD and social anxiety, and for some periods during that time, i didnt really go out and socialize even though i didnt really feel much anxiety.

I think the reason that i did this and possibly you might do this is because you get into a habit of avoiding social situations when you had social anxiety and that habit is hard to break even though its not useful anymore. In other words the anxiety is reduced but your brain still has the same thought patterns.

What you need to do is force yourself to go out and socialize this will change the thought patterns.

It will take work but will eventually you may break the habit of the social avoidance.
Posted 8/20/2009 2:46 PM (GMT 0)

I agree with broady, you are isolating yourself. Plan short trips out of the house to start and then work up to longer outings.

Have you ever been to therapy to help you with your problems.  Also do check in with your physician re your medications.  Perhaps you need a change.

Take care

Kitt

Posted 8/20/2009 10:01 PM (GMT 0)
DTrotter9,

I totally empathize with you. I never would think that I have social anxiety (in addition to other anxiety and panic) but I am the same way. I come home from work and I just don't want to be bothered with anyone or go out much anymore. I fill up my time with t.v., computer stuff and reading books, then I go to bed. This is the same on the weekend, I force myself out sometimes to do errands and such. I am a very extroverted person though. I truthfully know that I am isolating myself on purpose. I have places and events to go to but I just choose not to go. I will make up an excuse and not go, but first I will battle between going and not going and then once I stay home I will begin to feel guilty, bad and alone. I know there is something wrong with this picture and I hope we both can figure it out.

Hugs and happiness for us all!!!

ChiGirl

Posted 8/21/2009 10:42 PM (GMT 0)
I can relate to the anxiety and fear of going out, especially if it involves a social situation.  I need to be mentally prepared for any social outing; otherwise, it can send me into a panic.  My husband is just the opposite; he loves spur-of-the moment outings.  I have had to tell him repeatedly that I don't handle things like that well.

I also agree with broady about forcing yourself to go out.  One thing I notice about myself is this:  I can feel some dread about going out and socializing initially; but by the time I get there, I find that I actually have a very good time.  And then when I get home, I find that I'm glad I went.

Posted 8/21/2009 11:05 PM (GMT 0)
I agree with everyone you do have to force yourself to do things. I noticed that I am the same as kgood i have to mentally prepare myself to go somewhere. I also get nervous about certain events and second guess my decision to attend, but once Im there Im having fun and forget about everything that made me nervous. You just have to plan ahead make sure that you are able to leave should you get panicky. I dont drive so I dodnt usually go out to gatherings unless Im with my sister or my fiancee brcause they know my issues and are willing to call it a night if I get panicky (this is also why I want to work on getting my licsence but Im so nervous about going).
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