weird behaviour from me?

carzony

here is my problem and i'd appreciate and advice.. I have forever been i suppose you could say anit-social, Never went to partys, weddings, funerals ect.. I even hated going to school and couldnt wait to finish it. I loved studying but just hated the social aspect to it. I have just always prefered to avoid social interraction I suppose..

Anyway the other night I was driving around with a few friends I know years when one of them get a call inviting them to a party. my friends said ''Park the car outside the house and we go'' I immediately began to panic and felt like i couldnt breath and came up with every excuse in the book to not go..


Then the other week I was walking home and a group of lads were coming my way, I sdidnt know them but all of a sudden I felt threathened and grabbed my phone letting on I was on the phone.. I just seem to hate socializing altogether

I was wonding would this be considered offaly strange behaviour? is there anything I can do about it?

Victor

carzony wrote: »

I was wonding would this be considered offaly strange behaviour? is there anything I can do about it?

It isn't the pre-dominant experience, but many people do have problems interacting with each other at various levels.

On a basic level, try to take small steps outside your comfort zone. For example, say "Hello" to people who you recognise, if you would normally only say "Hello" to someone, ask them how they are and so on.

On a more substantial level, it might be useful to talk to a counsellor or similar - your GP would be able to recommend someone.

kjl

I think you need to contact you GP and list out these symptoms to him. We are not allowed to diagnose problems on this forum, but it sounds from your post that you might have social anxiety disorder.

Again, go to a GP and discuss the issue with him.

barry711

carzony wrote: »

is there anything I can do about it?

Do YOU want to? or does society/mates/customs/"norms" want you to do something about it? I cant see why now you would want to change when your happy not being very social.

ongarboy

barry711 wrote: »

Do YOU want to? or does society/mates/customs/"norms" want you to do something about it? I cant see why now you would want to change when your happy not being very social.

But sure, isn't that the point? He is not happy being unsocial if it causes him to panic and stress everytime he comes across social situations and interactions with others (which unless he lives as a complete recluse, will be an almost everyday occurrence). He is correct to want to seek change for his own personal happiness and not because society expects it of him. Posting here is his first step in that process.

I agree with other posters. Take baby steps to get out of your comfort zone. (making eye contact with people, saying hello with a smile to strangers when you are out for a walk , smiling at and thanking the cashier in the shop when they hand you your change- obviously not in a leery OTT way of course!). See how that goes. If you feel positive after doing this, it might help you to take bigger steps. Counselling to help explore the causes of your social anxiety would also help.

Janey_Mac

barry711 wrote: »

Do YOU want to? or does society/mates/customs/"norms" want you to do something about it? I cant see why now you would want to change when your happy not being very social.

Well, the OP might be perfectly happy to not be a major party-goer and that's grand, but when there's major panic at the mere thought of going to a party, that's probably not something the OP can be happy about.

Also, avoiding all social situations is almost impossible if the OP wants to work or study or participate in certain hobbies. Some kind of counselling or help to cope with them when necessary so that s/he isn't made miserable like with school would probably be a good thing, even if s/he never gets into going to parties. At least this way s/he knows s/he can handle it when it has to happen.