Life Social Anxiety - Page 3

TLO · 04-21-2014, 10:56 AM

Anyone ever have issues with social anxiety before?

I've noticed myself being uncomfortable with large crowds of people as far back as 3rd or 4th grade. Recently though, I'm noticing it around people all together. Yesterday we had a medium size group for Easter dinner, mostly family, and I didn't really talk to anyone. Sometimes I have difficulty going to class because I'm afraid I'll be judged, or God forbid the professor puts us into a small group to do an activity.

Any thoughts or opinions are welcome.

BlackHelicopters · 04-21-2014, 12:44 PM

Seek professional help. Your school should have a health services office that can help or refer you. I had to quit weed and seek help. It will help you.

Chaunceythe3rd · 04-21-2014, 12:51 PM

[QUOTE=Rain Man;10575899]A lot of this is practice and exposure.......

They just want to hear what you're talking about and you're just a vessel for that. So you just get up there and talk. I've found that it's best to know your material, but to not practice. Talking is much easier than reciting a memorized speech.

This. Being comfortable around crowds, public speaking, etc. for most people is a learned skill. It has a lot to do with the feedback that you receive in these situations. If you start out with low self esteem or doubts about your abilities and that shows in your demeanor then things may be awkward for you.

Maybe start small with situations that you know from experience are comfortable and work up from their. Or maybe in familiar situations such as family gatherings you have experience and knowledge of those in attendance and may simply be wanting to avoid them. Nothing wrong with that.

Direckshun · 04-21-2014, 12:55 PM

I believe that I have some social anxiety.

The easiest solution for me is to go to parties and such with someone else who is far more social, so you can take a backseat until you get more comfortable.

I always start out quiet, then get progressively more gregarious.

Alcohol usually helps.

InChiefsHeaven · 04-21-2014, 12:56 PM

I get anxious in small spaces with lots of people, I guess you'd say mildly claustrophobic. I got stuck on an airplane on the runway. We sat there for like 45 minutes, and I really felt like getting up and running around. My wife knew as soon as they said we were going to be delayed that I was going to start having an issue. I mean, it's not horrible, but it's more than just an annoyance. As a tangent, WTF don't they serve drinks when you are on the ground?? It would make things MUCH better...

I got mugged in KCK about 15 years ago, and to this day I have some paranoia about certain situations, but I think that's just recall kicking in. It's not as bad as it used to be, thank God...

Fish · 04-21-2014, 12:57 PM

Have you tried killing any strippers? It's usually a very effective way of overcoming your social anxiety..

BlackHelicopters · 04-21-2014, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fish

Have you tried killing any strippers? It's usually a very effective way of overcoming your social anxiety..

They are already dead inside anyway.

KC native · 04-21-2014, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theelusiveeightrop

Seek professional help. Your school should have a health services office that can help or refer you. I had to quit weed and seek help. It will help you.

This.

Anxiety can come from many different sources. Best to have a professional help figure it out.

**ptlyon** · 04-21-2014, 01:04 PM

I just don't understand why people just don't masturbate more

**Easy 6** · 04-21-2014, 01:05 PM

The only time I ever got shy and quiet in public was if I was stoned, other than that I'll jump right up and give a presentation or put on a play in front a big crowd no problem.

Wish I had some great advice, but it just seems to be one of those things people have to work through on their own.

C3HIEF3S · 04-21-2014, 01:07 PM

I know exactly how you feel Big Smoke.

Mine mainly stems, I think, from being afraid of being judged. The worst part about going to a party or hanging out with friends for me is the first 10 minutes or so. I need to know what to expect from whatever I am going into. The worst part about going to a party or whatever for me is the fear that I go and don't know anyone and look like an idiot.

Nirvana58 · 04-21-2014, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NewChief

Some of my really good friends have social anxiety (they're also pot heads, and I think pot has a tendency to make people want to stay in the comfort of their own worlds after prolonged use).

These two friends are interesting, though, because they're extreme extroverts in social situations. Like they are the life of the party and everyone loves to have them around. They're completely "on" when they're in social scenarios, and I think that's why they have social anxiety... because it's exhausting for them to be in social situations. I think they also tend to "lose" themselves in those types of social situations and dislike losing control, so they prefer to stay at home and in control of their actions.

This is me to a T. I am extremely extroverted when I need to be but honestly it is exhausting and would rather just stay at home. It is even worst now with my job because I have so be social 24/7 there. By the time I get home I really don't want to see anybody.

Pot can also play a factor with long term use in social anxiety. I don't know if its more of a chicken or the egg conundrum. Did these behaviors draw me to pot or did pot help bring out this anxiety. I have been clean for about 7 months after 10 years of use. I can honestly say my anxiety has gone down but I still can be a hermit.

**Bearcat** · 04-21-2014, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Smoke

Anyone ever have issues with social anxiety before?

Anyone here, on an internet/football message board?

Doubt it.

**Rain Man** · 04-21-2014, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ptlyon

I just don't understand why people just don't masturbate more

For me, that tends to generate more even social awkwardness at parties.

**ptlyon** · 04-21-2014, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rain Man

For me, that tends to generate more even social awkwardness at parties.

You just don't know how to party RM

Mojo Jojo · 04-21-2014, 01:13 PM

I've had/still have anxiety issues. See a medical professional...I've had input from both primary care and a shrink. Things that have helped me. Regular exercise even if it's just walking. Yoga or other stretching activities. And of course I do have a script for anti anxiety meds, but it's take only as needed. I use them a lot less than I use to. For me Xanax was over rated, Hydroxyzine works great for me...when I feel an attack coming on and nothing else has helped take one...20 minutes later you feel like you've just had a glass or two of wine.
Good luck!

04-21-2014, 10:56 AM
TLO Life is changing.. Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: NW Missouri Casino cash: $-2570000	Social Anxiety Anyone ever have issues with social anxiety before? I've noticed myself being uncomfortable with large crowds of people as far back as 3rd or 4th grade. Recently though, I'm noticing it around people all together. Yesterday we had a medium size group for Easter dinner, mostly family, and I didn't really talk to anyone. Sometimes I have difficulty going to class because I'm afraid I'll be judged, or God forbid the professor puts us into a small group to do an activity. Any thoughts or opinions are welcome.
Posts: 43,114

04-21-2014, 12:44 PM	#31
BlackHelicopters Spiraling down the Drain Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Dante's Ninth Circle Casino cash: $-889412	Seek professional help. Your school should have a health services office that can help or refer you. I had to quit weed and seek help. It will help you. __________________ "We're both part of the same hypocrisy, Senator, but never think it applies to my family." "Fredo. You are my brother, and I love you. But never take sides against the Family again. Ever." 2019 Adopt a Chief - Travis Kelce #87
Posts: 33,353

04-21-2014, 12:51 PM	#32
Chaunceythe3rd Superior Breeding Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Boston Casino cash: $9915419	[QUOTE=Rain Man;10575899]A lot of this is practice and exposure....... They just want to hear what you're talking about and you're just a vessel for that. So you just get up there and talk. I've found that it's best to know your material, but to not practice. Talking is much easier than reciting a memorized speech. This. Being comfortable around crowds, public speaking, etc. for most people is a learned skill. It has a lot to do with the feedback that you receive in these situations. If you start out with low self esteem or doubts about your abilities and that shows in your demeanor then things may be awkward for you. Maybe start small with situations that you know from experience are comfortable and work up from their. Or maybe in familiar situations such as family gatherings you have experience and knowledge of those in attendance and may simply be wanting to avoid them. Nothing wrong with that.
Posts: 347

04-21-2014, 12:55 PM	#33
Direckshun __ Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Springpatch Casino cash: $2033447	I believe that I have some social anxiety. The easiest solution for me is to go to parties and such with someone else who is far more social, so you can take a backseat until you get more comfortable. I always start out quiet, then get progressively more gregarious. Alcohol usually helps.
Posts: 59,693

04-21-2014, 12:56 PM	#34
InChiefsHeaven Rockin' yer FACE OFF! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Omaha, Nebraska Casino cash: $605437	I get anxious in small spaces with lots of people, I guess you'd say mildly claustrophobic. I got stuck on an airplane on the runway. We sat there for like 45 minutes, and I really felt like getting up and running around. My wife knew as soon as they said we were going to be delayed that I was going to start having an issue. I mean, it's not horrible, but it's more than just an annoyance. As a tangent, WTF don't they serve drinks when you are on the ground?? It would make things MUCH better... I got mugged in KCK about 15 years ago, and to this day I have some paranoia about certain situations, but I think that's just recall kicking in. It's not as bad as it used to be, thank God... __________________ We have a million reasons for failure, but not one excuse... Die Donks, DIE!! Holy Crap fellas!!! We did it!!! THREE TIMES!!!
Posts: 27,257

04-21-2014, 12:57 PM	#35
Fish Ain't no relax! Join Date: Sep 2005 Casino cash: $-1421081	Have you tried killing any strippers? It's usually a very effective way of overcoming your social anxiety.. __________________
Posts: 48,861

04-21-2014, 01:04 PM	#38
ptlyon Bono & Grbac wasn't enough Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Sioux City, IA Casino cash: $9253829	I just don't understand why people just don't masturbate more __________________ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Advertise here: $19.99 a month
Posts: 40,909

04-21-2014, 01:05 PM	#39
Easy 6 pie is never free Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: the drivers seat Casino cash: $-162225	The only time I ever got shy and quiet in public was if I was stoned, other than that I'll jump right up and give a presentation or put on a play in front a big crowd no problem. Wish I had some great advice, but it just seems to be one of those things people have to work through on their own.
Posts: 98,474

04-21-2014, 01:07 PM	#40
C3HIEF3S Let's Get Weird Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Austin Casino cash: $9910098	I know exactly how you feel Big Smoke. Mine mainly stems, I think, from being afraid of being judged. The worst part about going to a party or hanging out with friends for me is the first 10 minutes or so. I need to know what to expect from whatever I am going into. The worst part about going to a party or whatever for me is the fear that I go and don't know anyone and look like an idiot.
Posts: 15,232

04-21-2014, 01:13 PM	#45
Mojo Jojo Veteran Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Johnson County Casino cash: $10013802	I've had/still have anxiety issues. See a medical professional...I've had input from both primary care and a shrink. Things that have helped me. Regular exercise even if it's just walking. Yoga or other stretching activities. And of course I do have a script for anti anxiety meds, but it's take only as needed. I use them a lot less than I use to. For me Xanax was over rated, Hydroxyzine works great for me...when I feel an attack coming on and nothing else has helped take one...20 minutes later you feel like you've just had a glass or two of wine. Good luck!
Posts: 3,341