Social anxiety disorder

first of all I think you are too quite to able labels to yourself. The fact that you go out means it is not a clinically condition, because people with social anxiety disorder or to afraid to even go out, I think your problem is first and foremost you are shy. being shy is not a disorder, since you have this condition of freezing up when you talk even to people you know when you are anxious it is not because you in a social situation with people you don't know as much as it is you know this sort of thing can happen to you and so you think about it too much and that further causes you to freeze up, it becomes a self-fulfilling prophesy. depression with anxiety and general anxiety are better labels for you if you want to examine the labels further, but also remember your conversion disorder which is the key player in this whole picture.

Hi PointlessQuestions, You are certainly not alone in this and it's not easy to change, although some people have done it. This is who you are and that okay. If you really want to change, relax and let it happen gradually. Don't worry about what others might thing, just know that you're a great person. Blessings.

I FEEL socially inept, and in some circumstances, like the one you described, I would clam up. This really does not make sense because I can do product demonstrations and talk to total strangers and they never know I have a problem. It is like if I half way know people, like at church, I have a hard time, but total strangers do not bother me. My lessons: look in their eyes, and ask them a question, then listen. Give them a reason to keep talking and they will think they have had a wonderful conversation. Most people love to hear themselves talk.

Have you ever been on an anti-anxiety medication? A lot of people start on those, see an improvement, and are then able to wean themselves off of them and still continue with the changed behavior. A lot of people suffer from this. I know I used to.

I have a mild form of social anxiety disorder, so I know how hard it can be for you. Have you ever thought about having therapy for it? Because there is a lot of help that you can get for SAD from a doctor, and they would be able to refer you to counselling and help you to think about ways that you could start to socialise more effectively instead of always hiding away and worrying that you might do something wrong if you're put into a social situation. I am much better than I used to be, and I have managed to complete a university degree and make a lot of good friends along the way thanks to the techniques that I have been taught during the course of the past couple of years of my life.

I've been plagued with anxiety a lot in life. While I'm not affected by it in the same way you are, it is nonetheless debilitation when it occurs. I've been told it is a form of low self esteem. Have you talked to a counsellor? Or maybe, at frist, pick up a book on overcoming such problems and just read it? How did you function on your job, where as I understand, you were a nurse and meeting new people everyday? Medications are a last resort. I've been able to do without medication for about 10 years now. I've tried alternative measures and can truthfully say it has done me good. Whatever you do, do not just exist and live with it. Do your best to overcome it. I'm here if you need me. Are you on my friends list, if not send me a request so we can message. hugs

In other words, you're shy. There's nothing wrong with being shy. More people than you think are shy. They overcome it little by little and some never do. I wouldn't worry about it. When I am in a crowd of people, I just stay quiet unless someone speaks directly to me, then I speak with that person. I don't think it's a disorder. I think "they" want us to think it's a disorder so they can treat us for it. Like pregnancy and menopause are now medical problems. Phooey. They're natural. So is shyness.

Do not worry.It is difficult to smile and make conversation when you do not know anyone in a big crowd.You just mingle with your own people; you can just smile and be normal without talking when their acquaintances talk to them.You would have still made your presence felt.How can anyone mingle freely with people they do not know at all? Watch for signals when you are there and I am sure you will find a few to your liking.But , people who are by nature not 'social butterflies' can and must never attempt to become so ; it would only make them look very odd and artificial and shallow.It is better to be slightly restrained in your approach.That is not being stupid.

I almost like that in my high schools days and even in college, even I'm a school dancer, I know how to entertain people through my style but in communicating people I failed. I always walked when head down and talk in low mode. Until my father taught me how to teach a couple in ballroom dancing. I was afraid at the first time, my father told me to have a little smile in my face while teaching and I might scared the couple. At first It was very hard for me to learn and to become sociable but I have to because it is my kind of work. I can't attract client if they will saw me unsociable. I'm glad that I'm already in the business for almost 20 years and thanks to my career I been a greater person.

that is a great question.. i use to be the same way, but my hubby's family is totaly opposite and i had to learn how to interact with them and now its no big deal i just be nice and if i want to fit in anywhere else in life i will look at the situation and whom im around and i will say something nice to someone and see if they talk back .. for instance at my work you have to be able to talk to strangers every day as im the one in charge.. and people like it if you talk to them in a nice manner and im always the one who goes first .. i say good morning to start off the conversation and then its easy from there.. and last sunday i did well and came home with 16.00 in tips.. yea for me.. most people are alike and just want people to be nice.. and that is how you make new friends be nice everywhere you go, and people respond back by being nice as well.. you dont have to talk to everyone in the group to fit in just have fun thats waht counnts people like to be around people who are having fun..

I don't know if its disorder or what but what if that is only an effect of something? you maybe looking at the wrong side of it. i don't know if im making any sense here

I don't think that is a disorder since the greater majority is always wary of strangers. i am not good at socializing and I am uneasy in the company of people who are not familiar. When no one starts a conversation, I just stay in a corner so I am not really fond of social gatherings. I am only conversant and lively in the company of friends and family. I believe this is the same with most individuals. I envy those who can create a good conversation even with people they do not know. They seem good at interacting. However, this does not mean we are suffering from a social anxiety disorder, we are just being ordinary.

I face the same issue as well. I can easily get along with people who looks nice, I don't go and introduce myself to those that I feel like not really friendly based on their looks. Unless, that person talks to me and I'm able to assess what kind of personality they have. I'm more intimidated by people with big personalities, those who think highly of themselves. I don't even want to talk to them, I'd rather go with regular folks.

I agree. I wouldn't call it a disorder. Like many people, I have to feel comfortable with a person before I can really talk to them. Some people make me feel comfortable right off the bat, others it takes a while before I start to feel comfortable around them and then there are others that I never feel comfortable with. I too envy people who can make friends easily and quickly, who can carry on conversations with people they've just met. I guess I'm just not very good at small talk.

I too have that disorder may be. I talk too much because I dont want the other person to be aware that I am uncomfortable with them around for no fault of theirs. :) Jesus..I actually confessed my actual feelings here..

I have the problem you say.In the situation where there have crowd,i feel embarrased.For a instance,when i am in a long train alone,i always read a book or play my phone without talking with someone who also acts like me.But soon after,i feel bored and want a conversation,you know,All people are restrained in a narrow space.And i guess others have the same experience.Im so shy that i have no courage to break silence first.As the result,i will keep silent during the trip.The similar situation occurs in the club. I admire the people who is always the centre of people whoever around.They can talk with strangers well.I am wonder how they start the discussion naturelly.I cant disern who are their friends and who are strangers they just met.I think they have charisma appealing to others.

You must analyze the reasons for your fear. Just know what is causing social phobia can help you overcome it. Sometimes you may feel as though there is no rhyme or reason to your phobia, but try to find the root of you fears. Realize that not everyone is judging you. Use self motivation. Find a teams or clubs that relates your interest.