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Posted 5/4/2015 7:23 AM (GMT 0)
I have horrible social anxiety, in fact I quit a job just so I wouldn't have to talk in front of people. It wasn't even that many people.. maybe the most I would have had to talk in front of would be 10 at a time but I was terrified so I found another job. Are there others here that have this kind of anxiety?
Posted 5/4/2015 8:03 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

I have Social Anxiety as a result of having Aspergers Syndrome so I understand what you are going through.

It's a tough thing to live with but it can be beaten but it does take hard work.

What I have found to be helpful is CBT that involved a lot of exposure therapy basically I gradually put myself into social situations to build my confidence up and the more I did something the easier it became. Have you ever done any type of therapy? There are also medications which can help.

Hibee
Posted 5/4/2015 8:09 AM (GMT 0)
I've been in therapy for at least 20 years. I was at one point able to make it through a speech class but it was pretty difficult. I took a six week class so I could get it over with quicker. I'm taking Wellbutrin, Abilify, Fetzima and occasionally Klonipin. There was a point in therapy when I was doing better and found it easier to talk in front of people.. seems like I kind of backslid though. I have never found a therapist as good as that one either.
Posted 5/4/2015 2:55 PM (GMT 0)
Chris, I simply can't do public speaking so I totally understand. I even get nervous when I'm having lunch with friends, I'm telling a story and realize the small group is staring at me. I know it's ridiculous but it just is what it is. I'm starting CBT this month. I told a therapist about my fear of public speaking and she said, "then don't do it!" I'm not sure that was good advice but did make me think......we all have our strengths and if that's not mine..........maybe, have a job that doesn't require it. Maybe, that's ok? Anyway, I feel your pain! "backsliding" is the worst. You think you've finally conquered something to realize it's still lurking in the shadows. :(
Posted 5/4/2015 10:05 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for understanding WanttoBeNormal! It's nice to know i'm not alone.
Posted 5/5/2015 12:14 AM (GMT 0)
KC,

Curious as to what kind of therapy specifically you were using for your recovery?

CBT, hypnosis, exposure/phobia work...

Which did you find the most helpful?

...and would you consider revisiting that one for another attempt at progress?

Have you tried self help? Would you be interested in any links I could offer?

Know that we understand and are here for your support!

Scaredy Cat
Posted 5/5/2015 3:16 AM (GMT 0)
Well.. my therapist I had in Ohio practiced Gestalt Therapy, I have also done CBT, Inner Child Work and EMDR. I've done some hypnosis as well but it didn't seem to help at all. I would say my therapist in Ohio who practiced Gestalt helped me the most and I would go back to that in a second. I've never heard of it outside of when I was with her. I have a therapist now and to tell you the truth I don't know what kind of therapy we are doing.. I just go and talk to him and we work on solutions to problems. The insurance I have doesn't give me a lot of options for therapists unfortunately.

I've read a lot of self-help books. And Yes, I would be interested in any links that you have to offer.

Thanks for listening and being there!

Oh.. and I guess I should mention that I've had so much therapy because I had a pretty messed up past. I was physically, emotionally and sexually abused growing up.
Posted 5/5/2015 3:48 AM (GMT 0)
KC,

My sincere condolences for your trauma.

I admire your efforts to better your current and future circumstances. You are a strong and inspirational individual!

I will do some digging for self help for social anxiety and re-post soon.

S.C.

p.s.I may also have my co-mod make some suggestion for you regarding schema therapy that he is having good results with. Schema deals with long term challenges/ traumas.
Posted 5/5/2015 4:14 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks!
Posted 5/5/2015 5:19 AM (GMT 0)
Chris,
I think public speaking is a hard thing for most people. I'm totally the same way & can't even utter a cohesive sentence in front of a large group of my own friends. Exposure is the best medicine. As much as it makes you uncomfortable, it's good to do it anyway! It builds that tolerance up.
Posted 5/5/2015 11:41 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Chris

Sorry to hear of your past you have had a lot to deal with.

Gestalt is a good form of therapy and good at really helping you to tackle the issues which are affecting you. I have also done a lot of different therapies but the one I am doing at the moment is by far the most effective I have done and it's called Schema Therapy so maybe have a look into that it is very in-depth and challenging.

I hope you start to feel a bit better soon.

Hibee
Posted 5/5/2015 11:58 AM (GMT 0)
There is a depression support group at the clinic I go to.. but there are so many people I'm scared of going.. even though I went once and was welcomed with open arms. I even told them I was scared of talking in groups and they were very understanding, yet I'm still afraid. They have a smaller drop in group that I go to that is easier to handle. Except the days when a lot of people show up :)

I've never heard of Schema Therapy.. I will see what I can find out about it.
Posted 5/5/2015 4:45 PM (GMT 0)
Here are a few links that I like...

http://www.moodjuice.scot.nhs.uk/shynesssocialphobia.asp

http://www.helpguide.org/articles/anxiety/social-anxiety-disorder-and-social-phobia.htm

http://www.anxietybc.com/sites/default/files/adult_hmsocial.pdf

These should give you a good start.  There are more...and programs for purchase...but these are free, and worth a look through.

If you find them not of help, or you've done them before...let me know and I can do some more digging.:)

S.C.

Posted 5/5/2015 4:48 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks!
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