Social Anxiety Disorder (looking for help!)?

I am 24 yrs old, happily married, with an adopted daughter. I have B.S. degree, and a well paid job.

But over the last several years, I have suffered from social anxiety disorder, by the following ways:

- extr. fearful of p.s.: Used to avoid it by all means: skipping class, coming to church late, etc. Recently I had to do public speaking, and couldn't sleep that night because of anxiety.

- Social fear: At work, at the store, at church. Can't hold a conversation for more than 30 seconds, with voice shaking, stuttering, completely controlled by nervousness.

I am really trying to face my problem now. I realize that I blamed my nervousness before on "lack of sleep" or "allergies", and coped with it by "caffeine", "nosespray", and ignoring the issue.

I have now joined toastmasters (public speaking group), and I don't know where to go from here. I would like to see a doctor, but I don't know who or where (in Austin area). I am interested in anything that could help!

Social anxiety can cause these feelings, which can also lead to severe depression,
http://www.socialanxietyinstitute.org/ds...

There is hope; I've been there, and still am there, it is a long, hard struggle. I recommend
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/cognitive_b... worked best for me, with mild anti-anxiety meds. I suffered from social anxiety for over 15 years. I've tried individual therapy, and group therapy and studied psychology for 10 years, as a profession, but also with the hope to cure myself.

Depending on your comfort level, you could go to a psychologist that practices CBT and specializes in anxiety disorders, seek a group therapy, or create one. Usually those that do attend the group therapy are a bit more high functioning because as you know, it can be difficult to speak in a group.

Another idea is to see if there are any local research studies being conducted that you could participate in.

The program that finally worked the best for me is this one: http://www.socialanxiety.us/findinghelp.... and I was lucky enough to have a structured behavioral group to go along with it. Sometimes the people that actually attend this program come back home and form groups.

I recommend a mild anti-anxiety med in addition to CBT therapy.

Any questions, let me know ... I can't tell you how much this has improved my life!


There are subtypes of social anxiety; it seems that yours may be both... click on link:


http://www.medpharm.co.za/safp/2000/mar/...

go 2 peekvid and watch the movie the secret

They have medication for social anxiety. See the doctor and they should be able to help you out.

This condition is common. See your family physician first. If not satisfied, then seek a shrink. They do wonder these days. The good news is, with help this condition will go away soon.
I went through this very thing some time ago. You should easily overcome this condition at little expense. But, do seek help now.

What do you mean you don't know who or where to go for help?

See your family physician for a referral. Most insurance companies require that you have a referral from a general practitioner. You can also just look in the *phonebook* under *counseling* if you don't have insurance.

You don't need medication. I can't believe how many kids come on here and say that. It doesn't do anything but make you groggy. You have to go out and do a lot of personal work to get better.

There are counselors, psychologists, and psychiatrists.

It sounds to me that you are on the right track to get over this anxiety. I've had social anxiety before, but the way to overcome it is to think about what is going to happen in the social environment in a positive way instead of a negative. Example.. say you have a big speech tomorrow.. Think about how good you are going to do, all the points that you want to have for the people, and think about how many wonderful people you are going to meet. Always think positive. Also, if you want to make your anxiety worse thinking about the past or future in a negative way will make it worse. Good Luck

I have this and for now for lack of a better term, it is in remission. It is under control now. Initially, I had to take anti anxiety medications. It helped and I decided to gradually wean myself off the medications due to unwelcome side effects. Depending on the individual, anti anxiety meds can cause weight gain. I have heard that Wellbutrin can help you lose weight. I don't know this for sure. As far as how I long it took for me to gain control of my anxiety, it would be best to work with a doctor on this. I weaned myself off the medication and simultaneously exercised to deal with the nervousness I often felt. It worked and I feel pretty good. The other things I observed is to monitor my diet. I try to limit my caffeine. I pray a lot and I talk to my brothers who also have the same condition. It is good to have support from family if it is available. Please see a doctor or you can try going through some counseling.

No coffee or sugar! Try Valerian root, or chamomile or sleepytime tea (don't drive until you know how these affect you!!!). Practice the breathing method at http://deeplyrelax.com See http://www.socialphobiaworld.com/modules... & http://socialanxietysupport.com/ The phone no. for the American Psychological Association Referral Line is: 1800 964 2000 For public speaking, look just above the last row of the audience, and ask to be in the first few to go on (mention your problem); practice in the mirror, then with family, then friends, so you know your material.