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Social Anxiety disorder

  • 12-12-2007 11:12am
    #1
    RubyXI
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,596 ✭✭✭


    signs and symptoms of social anxiety disorder include:
    • Intense fear of being in situations in which you don't know people
    • Fear of situations in which you may be judged
    • Worrying about embarrassing or humiliating yourself
    • Fear that others will notice that you look anxious
    • Anxiety that disrupts your daily routine, work, school or other activities
    • Avoiding doing things or speaking to people out of fear of embarrassment
    • Avoiding situations where you might be the center of attention
    Trying to work out whether i have it.


«1

Comments

  • #2
    tbh
    Closed Accounts Posts: 15,914 ✭✭✭✭tbh


    How many of those symptoms do you display? Can you give us any examples?
    It's obviously something that worries you, how come it's on your mind?

    You are best off going to a doctor, however, there may well be people on this forum who are affected by this - the more information you give, the more likely you are to "strike a chord" with them, and get feedback.


  • #3
    biko
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 81,220 ✭✭✭✭biko


    Ask a professional about cognitive behaviour therapy.


  • #4
    RubyXI
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,596 ✭✭✭RubyXI


    like avoiding all social occaisions, loosing friends coz of it, not being able to eat or drink in front of people. Not liking talking on the phone, fear of showing my opinions. that for a start anyway.


  • #5
    wjv
    Registered Users Posts: 8 ✭wjv


    It sounds like you have social anxiety. I have it myself but only figured this out about five months ago by accident. There is help out there (see Mater hospital) and I am in the middle of a group course at present. Firstly I recommend you read Overcoming Social Anxiety by Gillian Butler http://www.amazon.co.uk/Overcoming-Social-Anxiety-Behavioural-Techniques/dp/1854877038. This book really spoke to me and I realised then for the first time I definitely had social anxiety. We basically have to do all the things we are avoiding for years. My awareness and the support I receive from the course leader and othere sufferers has helped me enormously even in a few weeks!

    I hope this will help. This is my first time posting here and I'm not quite sure of what I am doing


  • #6
    RubyXI
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,596 ✭✭✭RubyXI


    i would be scared to go to any group about it, i wouldnt even be able to go to my gp about it. i avoid all appointments as much as possible.


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  • #7
    biko
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 81,220 ✭✭✭✭biko


    You taken a step by posting here, well done, but you need to actually speak to someone to solve this. Go to a female doctor you've not seen before and ask about therapy. A/S/L?


  • #8
    RubyXI
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,596 ✭✭✭RubyXI


    i dont think i can go to a doctor. even making the phone call to make the appointment is very difficult for me.


  • #9
    tbh
    Closed Accounts Posts: 15,914 ✭✭✭✭tbh


    how about family/friends? is there someone you can talk to that might be able to help you?


  • #10
    RubyXI
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,596 ✭✭✭RubyXI


    no there's no-one i can talk to really


  • #11
    biko
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 81,220 ✭✭✭✭biko


    Your boyfriend?


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  • #12
    RubyXI
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,596 ✭✭✭RubyXI


    i have talked to my boyfriend a bit and i am a little better than i was because of it, but theres a long way to go yet.


  • #13
    k-a-t-e
    Closed Accounts Posts: 71 ✭✭k-a-t-e


    I'd recommend Overcoming Anxiety by Helen Kennerly. It's a self help book that uses the Cognitive Behavioral Techniques that many Clinical psychologists are trained in and use in their 1-2-1 therapy sessions. It can be bought of amazon too.

    I know how it feels and it can be beaten. It doesn't happen overnight and it is a slow process but it can be done:D
    good luck and best wishes


  • #14
    tbh
    Closed Accounts Posts: 15,914 ✭✭✭✭tbh


    phi3 wrote: »
    i have talked to my boyfriend a bit and i am a little better than i was because of it, but theres a long way to go yet.

    even the longest journey can be completed in baby steps :)

    Maybe your boyfriend could try to arrange a home visit for you?


  • #15
    RubyXI
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,596 ✭✭✭RubyXI


    i dont really want to mess thinks up with my bf, with this depression or whatever it is either.


  • #16
    JuliusCaesar
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,885 ✭✭✭JuliusCaesar


    then read the books! Leave them lying around so he can look at them. They'll take you through a treament step-by-step. There's also a Dummies Guide to CBT (the big yellow books) so you can see if you can treat yourself......at least to the extent of being able to make an appointment with someone. You might also be able to get telephone or email counselling - try the Irish Council for psychotherapy CBT Section, the Psychlogical Society of Ireland, the Brit Assoc for CBT- Rep of Ire ......


  • #17
    dreadlock
    Registered Users Posts: 7 ✭dreadlock


    Hi,

    Anyone who suffers from Social Anxiety / Social Phobia should visit the following site. The CD's are a must.

    http://www.socialanxietyinstitute.org/audioseries.html

    Have a look at the site in general - very helpful.

    There is a local support group being setup in Dublin for people who need help.

    email: overcomesa@gmail.com

    All the best,

    Cormac


  • #18
    ugliest
    Closed Accounts Posts: 90 ✭✭ugliest


    Is this group set up.........?


  • #19
    dreadlock
    Registered Users Posts: 7 ✭dreadlock


    Hi,

    Yes this group is setup.

    Ideally, people will have done some work themselves with the
    CD series offered by www.socialanxietyinstitute.org.

    Drop me an email to overcomesa@gmail.com if you're interested
    in coming along. The groups are on Tuesday nights from 6pm to 8pm.

    Cheers,

    Cormac
    :o


  • #20
    tbh
    Closed Accounts Posts: 15,914 ✭✭✭✭tbh


    hi Cormac - just so as we are all on the same page here - I'm assuming you have an involvement with these organisations? Could you spell out exactly what that is please? I've left the links up because they seem to be resources for people, but can you please let me know (on this thread) the cost of the CD's?

    thanks.


  • #21
    dreadlock
    Registered Users Posts: 7 ✭dreadlock


    Hi,

    Thanks for the mail.

    What I am running is a purely voluntary support group. I have made good
    progress overcoming Social Anxiety and am now in a position to help others by giving a bit of my knowledge back.

    I make no commission whatsoever from these series. These CD's / tapes are superb at rationilizing what social anxiety is and the best step to overcome it.

    In fact, when ordering, if you mention my name "Cormac from Dublin, Ireland" you will get a 20% discount.

    More details can be found at:-

    http://www.socialanxietyinstitute.org/audioseries.html

    If people are interested in joining the support group here in Dublin, Ireland, then send me an email at overcomesa@gmail.com

    All the best,

    Cormac



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  • #22
    LegacyUser
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 166,026 ✭✭✭✭LegacyUser


    Hi,I was just looking at SAI website.The CBT course is now only available
    in CDs.The cost is $399 and postage is around $135,altogether $535.
    Just wondering if anyone ordered it and was then hit with a customs
    bill on delivery.thanks


  • #23
    garymac27
    Registered Users Posts: 24 ✭garymac27


    I have tried the charles linden cd's and dvd's and it was a good help, didn't cure the sa though. I think that requires alot of hard work and dedication.

    I have also tried a group therapy in dublin which I highly recommend, visit the website!! It costs next to nothing and you get to meet some great people.

    http://www.socialanxietyireland.com/

    How are you getting on with the sa?:)


  • #24
    Boilerbad
    Closed Accounts Posts: 48 ✭Boilerbad


    It was caused by a combination of caffeine and ventolin for me gone now there is literature on the net that says this it says if taking ventolin avoid caffeine as it causes CNS disturbances which basically is anxeity

    VENTOLIN INTERACTIONS

    Check with your physician before combining Ventolin with the following:

    Antihistamines
    MAO inhibitors
    Tricyclic antidepressants
    Beta-blockers
    Blood pressure lowering drugs
    Digoxin
    Other bronchodilators
    Theophylline
    Water pills
    Stimulants such as caffeine, St. John' wort, ginseng, and ephedra.


  • #25
    RubyXI
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,596 ✭✭✭RubyXI


    Boilerbad wrote: »
    It was caused by a combination of caffeine and ventolin for me gone now there is literature on the net that says this it says if taking ventolin avoid caffeine as it causes CNS disturbances which basically is anxeity

    VENTOLIN INTERACTIONS

    Check with your physician before combining Ventolin with the following:

    Antihistamines
    MAO inhibitors
    Tricyclic antidepressants
    Beta-blockers
    Blood pressure lowering drugs
    Digoxin
    Other bronchodilators
    Theophylline
    Water pills
    Stimulants such as caffeine, St. John' wort, ginseng, and ephedra.
    what is ventolin??


  • #26
    Boilerbad
    Closed Accounts Posts: 48 ✭Boilerbad


    phi3 wrote: »
    what is ventolin??
    Its salbutamol ventolin is brand name


  • #27
    LegacyUser
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 166,026 ✭✭✭✭LegacyUser


    garymac27 wrote: »
    I have tried the charles linden cd's and dvd's and it was a good help, didn't cure the sa though. I think that requires alot of hard work and dedication.

    I have also tried a group therapy in dublin which I highly recommend, visit the website!! It costs next to nothing and you get to meet some great people.

    http://www.socialanxietyireland.com/

    How are you getting on with the sa?:)

    A while back I got onto that group course and bailed after first night.I regrete
    it now.I had to travel a fair bit to get there,and didn't feel up to it at the time.
    I will probably get SAI book/cds to start working on that now.Sa has gotten in
    the way of almost everything(friends,work,etc).I have to seriously work on it...


  • #28
    flyswatter
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,625 ✭✭✭flyswatter


    biko wrote: »
    Ask a professional about cognitive behaviour therapy.

    +1


  • #29
    Terry
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26,061 ✭✭✭✭Terry


    phi3 wrote: »
    i dont really want to mess thinks up with my bf, with this depression or whatever it is either.
    I don't know anything about your relationship, but if your boyfriend loves you then he will help you through this. Please don't read this as me having a go at your boyfriend.

    You really should seek professional help though.
    Left untreated for too long, social anxiety can turn you into a recluse.

    I suffered from mild social anxiety myself and used to find it hard to interact with others.
    I would either sit in a corner and not speak, or I would just get really drunk in order to cope wth it.
    Neither of those are good ways of coping with it and basically just made it worse.

    After some treatment (in my case it involved councillors and xanax, but they were part of a cure for larger issues), I was able to socialise normally again.

    It took time and there is no instant cure, but the cure is there. You just need to see the right people.


  • #30
    RubyXI
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,596 ✭✭✭RubyXI


    <3BeingIN6th wrote: »
    I don't know anything about your relationship, but if your boyfriend loves you then he will help you through this. Please don't read this as me having a go at your boyfriend.

    You really should seek professional help though.
    Left untreated for too long, social anxiety can turn you into a recluse.

    I suffered from mild social anxiety myself and used to find it hard to interact with others.
    I would either sit in a corner and not speak, or I would just get really drunk in order to cope wth it.
    Neither of those are good ways of coping with it and basically just made it worse.

    After some treatment (in my case it involved councillors and xanax, but they were part of a cure for larger issues), I was able to socialise normally again.

    It took time and there is no instant cure, but the cure is there. You just need to see the right people.

    Hey, I haven't talked about this on here for a long time but here goes.
    It wasn't so bad for a while. I mean the social anxiety was still there but not quite as bad. But the last week or so it all came back big time. It really upset me that it was bad again because i had sort of convinced myself it was going and soon i might be ok. But now i feel like crying all the time again. I feel like locking myself away and seeing no-one. I don't even know why.
    Things are probly better than ever with my boyfriend, like he's really making an effort and all and i just block him out even though it's the last thing i want to do. But even though when i feel like this and need love and attention, it's when i block it out most. And i cant understand why i do it. That's what's so hard. I can't understand why i stop myself doing the things i want to do.
    I know the advice is go to the doctor and get help. I know it's the right thing to do. But i don't think i can do it. I have to go to the doctor to get a perscription next week and i'm terrified. It's only in and out but appointments terrify me. Making phone calls terrify me. And it's not just the doctor, it's any appointment like getting my hair done or anything. And that one on one experience scares me too. So i really don't know what to do.
    Last time i was at the doctor and she asked if there was anything else she could do for me, i knew i should have said it, but i couldn't. I just wanted to get out of there.
    Please don't give out to me saying if i won't ask for help no-one can help me so it's my own fault because i know all that already.


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  • #31
    Terry
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26,061 ✭✭✭✭Terry


    First off, nobody is going to give out to you.
    It's a serious problem and I really feel for you. I know how debilitating it can be.

    Your boyfriend sounds like a really good person and seems quite willing to help.

    What you have to address here is your fears.
    What are you afraid of?
    What do you think will happen if you go for an appointment?

    Start with baby steps.
    Go and get your prescription, but get someone to drive you there. That way you can go and sit in the car if you start to get nervous. However should you begin to feel nervous, ask yourself what you are afraid of. Then resist the urge to walk away.
    I know it's not easy, but it's something you have to do. You'll feel so much better when you walk out of there with your prescription.

    Later tonight go for a walk around your estate. Just a short walk. Then do the same the next night, but go a little further and keep extending the walk each night.

    Now with something like this there is always an underlying problem. This is why you need to talk to your doctor. S/he will refer you to someone who can really help you.
    Trust me when I say that you will feel so much better when you speak to your doctor.

    [motivation]Get up, get out and get better[/motivation]


  • #32
    RubyXI
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,596 ✭✭✭RubyXI


    Part of the problem is that i don't know what i'm afraid of. I mean it's illogical and i know it's illogical. I know there's no reason to be afraid to talk to people or afraid to eat in front of people or anything like that. But i am afraid. Not understanding is probably the hardest part.


  • #33
    Terry
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26,061 ✭✭✭✭Terry


    Sounds like agorophobia to me.
    The fear of fear.

    Do you sometimes feel that if you go somewhere that you will start to panic?


  • #34
    RubyXI
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,596 ✭✭✭RubyXI


    I don't really panic. I never got a panic attack or anything. I just dont know what i'm afraid of. I don't have a problem going out on my own, like going for a walk or going to town or whatever. But i would have a problem with going to town with some-one. I wouldn't buy anything because i wouldn't want them to know what i like. Even though that's illogical because the will see me wearing it sometime anyway. I have a huge problem with people i know seeing me eat or drink. I'm ok in front of strangers. It doesn't even make sense to me.


  • #35
    Terry
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26,061 ✭✭✭✭Terry


    Hmm. That's a new one to me. Although I'd imagine it's a lot more common than you think. People tend not to talk of these things for fear of being labelled by others.

    You really do need to see a councillor. Knock it on the head before it gets worse.

    Think of it like this. If you found a lump you would go and see a doctor in case it was cancer.
    What you have is a mental illness and left untreated it will get worse.

    You made the first step by posting about it here.
    I urge you to go to your GP and get a referral.


  • #36
    Gallardo
    Closed Accounts Posts: 29 ✭Gallardo


    Hey, I've been suffering from SAD for my entire life and depression for probably most of it too. After seeing the list of symptoms of SAD and realising that they all applied to me I only found out the name of my condition 2 months ago. I tend to tremble alot when being looked at, my heart throbs heavily etc. and I can't seem to talk. I find it hard to make friends and it is extremely hard to talk to women. Bullying throughout school has made things very hard too. I am really shy and this seems to repel people, make some people laugh.
    I find it hard to concentrate, am also fatiqued and find college so stressful and tough. I have only started making a breakthrough to try and defeat the problem once and for all 2 months ago by going to a counsellor in college, seeing a college gp and getting tablets(Lexapro), talking to tutor and going to aware meetings. I'd definately advice anyone to try use all the support they can get. I guess I'm lucky to have them and appreciate what they have done so far. I still get intensily depressed and nervous at times but overall am a bit better. I don't wish I never existed as much but still have such a long way to go. Anyone who wants to make a start I'd definately recommend talking about it 121 and then try and go to a group. I've confidence in them situations now. Does anyone have any further advice? Anyone with a similar story? I'd love to know if anyone can relate to all of this.
    Cheers and good luck everyone :)


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  • #37
    MUSEIST
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,258 ✭✭✭MUSEIST


    Gallardo wrote: »
    Hey, I've been suffering from SAD for my entire life and depression for probably most of it too. After seeing the list of symptoms of SAD and realising that they all applied to me I only found out the name of my condition 2 months ago. I tend to tremble alot when being looked at, my heart throbs heavily etc. and I can't seem to talk. I find it hard to make friends and it is extremely hard to talk to women. Bullying throughout school has made things very hard too. I am really shy and this seems to repel people, make some people laugh.
    I find it hard to concentrate, am also fatiqued and find college so stressful and tough. I have only started making a breakthrough to try and defeat the problem once and for all 2 months ago by going to a counsellor in college, seeing a college gp and getting tablets(Lexapro), talking to tutor and going to aware meetings. I'd definately advice anyone to try use all the support they can get. I guess I'm lucky to have them and appreciate what they have done so far. I still get intensily depressed and nervous at times but overall am a bit better. I don't wish I never existed as much but still have such a long way to go. Anyone who wants to make a start I'd definately recommend talking about it 121 and then try and go to a group. I've confidence in them situations now. Does anyone have any further advice? Anyone with a similar story? I'd love to know if anyone can relate to all of this.
    Cheers and good luck everyone :)

    Exactly the same man - been like this all my life ,21 now and in college but I am a mess in social situations. Was seriously thinking of going to a councelor in college but never really convinced myself to go. You say you got given tablets. Do they work for you and did you just tell the gp you had SAD straight out because I always wondered would they even know what it is.


  • #38
    Fatloss08
    Closed Accounts Posts: 509 ✭✭✭Fatloss08


    im the same and i find this site good

    lots of help and people in same situations

    www.nomorepanic.co.uk


  • #39
    Gallardo
    Closed Accounts Posts: 29 ✭Gallardo


    Hey guys, its great having this place to talk about our problems.
    MUSEIST Id say it would help you alot to find support in college. Its incredible the way they have free services for us and you won't be judged. I'm 20 and I only started getting help recently. I don't know where I would be without it. Ive felt like ending it all alot of the time but am starting to make some progress. I think the tablets are starting to work too. I know its really scary to seek help but trust me it will make you feel alot better about yourself. Being able to talk about your problems openly is good because it builds up your communication skills which is great for any future relationships etc(unfortunately SAD has stopped me from being in any relationships yet but I hope to change that and meet someone special). Oh yea, aware is also free and that is brilliant help. They just ask you to donate 1 euro for a collection at the end which is the best value for money in the world lol.
    I find it alot easier to talk about my problems now to all these supports, if only talking to women was as easy though lol.
    Best of look, once we can get rid of SAD and depression we can live our lives to the full :) Hope this helps anyone else reading this.


  • #40
    Fatloss08
    Closed Accounts Posts: 509 ✭✭✭Fatloss08


    Gallardo wrote: »
    Hey guys, its great having this place to talk about our problems.
    MUSEIST Id say it would help you alot to find support in college. Its incredible the way they have free services for us and you won't be judged. I'm 20 and I only started getting help recently. I don't know where I would be without it. Ive felt like ending it all alot of the time but am starting to make some progress. I think the tablets are starting to work too. I know its really scary to seek help but trust me it will make you feel alot better about yourself. Being able to talk about your problems openly is good because it builds up your communication skills which is great for any future relationships etc(unfortunately SAD has stopped me from being in any relationships yet but I hope to change that and meet someone special). Oh yea, aware is also free and that is brilliant help. They just ask you to donate 1 euro for a collection at the end which is the best value for money in the world lol.
    I find it alot easier to talk about my problems now to all these supports, if only talking to women was as easy though lol.
    Best of look, once we can get rid of SAD and depression we can live our lives to the full :) Hope this helps anyone else reading this.

    dude i have it 11 years and sort of feel it now in work

    but nothing is ever that bad ok , always help about , most important thing to remember is , no matter how bad u feel in work or college or whatever it will never harm you or hurt you , u think of it and u give it strenght to annoy you , its a pest but thats all , its a learnt behaviour , now we need to slowly un-learn it with new positive habits


  • #41
    LegacyUser
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 166,026 ✭✭✭✭LegacyUser


    I seem to be suffering from the same problem! It definitely seems to be getting worse every year. At first I thought when i go to secondary school it will all go away! Nope! Then I though when I go to college i'l come out of myself and it will all go away! How wrong could i have been! Im in my 3rd year of college now and am constantly feeling out of place! Not that I don't get on with anyone in my course but I just feel awkward around them and don't enjoy their company! As a 20 yr old lad I should be havin the craic with them all and be in the middle of them. Instead I see myself getting away asap. Its like I compare myself to them and then run myself down for not been funny and witty etc! Im very uptight in all social situations! It really gets me down, im even very quite and shy around my own family! I just want to be normal and enjoy social situations and be able to contribute like everybody else! Iv a great girlfriend whom im very comfortable around and she thinks the world of me! If only others could be that way! I really considering gettin help because I believe when I graduate this is also going to effect my ability to compete for jobs etc.! I wouldn be able to show any confidence or competence in interviews.

    Anyone any suggestions


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  • #42
    sorella
    Closed Accounts Posts: 923 ✭✭✭sorella


    I was told I had this; plus anxiety, plus agoraphobia, etc etc etc.

    Reading what you write makes me shudder; been there.... and was fully housebound for many years thus.

    In fact I have M.E; which was misdiagnosed for 30 years.

    Panic sets is when something is too much for us; with me this was because I was physically ill simply and being pushed to do beyond my strength. Blaming because they said I should be doing these things.

    Eg CBT.

    Now I simply tailor my doings to my illness; and that stops the panic.

    My responsibility.

    Many others have found that it is an underlying physical condtion, maybe undiagnosed, that is the cause. A friend's father eg; he was getting panic attacks and they were treating him for that.
    I said to get a full physical; they finally found he had mild Parkinsons in its early staged; once treated no more panic.

    We seem to have a fast track to psycholigising hard to spot physical ailments

    We get bad SAD also, so I allow for this.

    Please, leave no physiacl stone unturned.


  • #43
    cliffy300
    Closed Accounts Posts: 14 ✭cliffy300


    Unregistered wrote: »
    I seem to be suffering from the same problem! It definitely seems to be getting worse every year. At first I thought when i go to secondary school it will all go away! Nope! Then I though when I go to college i'l come out of myself and it will all go away! How wrong could i have been! Im in my 3rd year of college now and am constantly feeling out of place! Not that I don't get on with anyone in my course but I just feel awkward around them and don't enjoy their company! As a 20 yr old lad I should be havin the craic with them all and be in the middle of them. Instead I see myself getting away asap. Its like I compare myself to them and then run myself down for not been funny and witty etc! Im very uptight in all social situations! It really gets me down, im even very quite and shy around my own family! I just want to be normal and enjoy social situations and be able to contribute like everybody else! Iv a great girlfriend whom im very comfortable around and she thinks the world of me! If only others could be that way! I really considering gettin help because I believe when I graduate this is also going to effect my ability to compete for jobs etc.! I wouldn be able to show any confidence or competence in interviews.

    Anyone any suggestions

    I`ve much the same problem, only I`m 31. through school I kept saying I`m going to outgrow it but the college came and it only got worse. When I started workin after college it improved for a few years because I made some new friends who seemed to understand this and accepted me. However these friends have now moved elsewhere and it feels like I`m back to square one again.
    Another incident that had a major impact on me was a relationship with a girl that lasted 6 months but ended 2 years ago. Because I`m so terribly shy I never had a relationship with a girl before only the odd one night stand. We work together and she asked me out. For that 6 months everything was great, I was never so happy, then things went a bit stale and I started having some of my darker moments again. We split up and at the time I thought it was for the best but within a week I realised i had made a terrible mistake.
    Working together i have to see her every day, for a while we stayed good friends but she didnt want to go back with me again. Gradually though she moved further and further away from me until the inevitable happened and she met someone else. It is incredibly hard every day to see her now and not to be able to even talk to her. She actually hates me now and from being so close to me before she knows exactly what buttons to press to put me down.
    Since xmas things have gotten worse, I dont go out anymore because when I do I end up getting very depressed. I have friends who are concerned but they don`t really understand. Its all well and good saying to get over her and move on but like I said before I have to work with her and cannot leave my job in this day and age.
    I have discussed this with my GP but i don`t think he understands either. I have talked to some counsellors about it too but nothing seems to work. Has anybody else been in a similar situation and found a way through it?


  • #44
    LegacyUser
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 166,026 ✭✭✭✭LegacyUser


    Has anyone tried hypnosis for social anxiety?

    Have seen this guy advertised in the paper a bit... www.barrysinclair.com

    Not sure if it's any good or if there's any success stories out there??


  • #45
    Happy Monday
    Registered Users Posts: 1,211 ✭✭✭Happy Monday


    Unreg01 wrote: »
    Has anyone tried hypnosis for social anxiety?

    Have seen this guy advertised in the paper a bit... www.barrysinclair.com

    Not sure if it's any good or if there's any success stories out there??

    May help in the short term - 1 to 2 weeks.
    But the underlying negative thoughts will come back.
    And you will be back to square 1.
    You need to make overcoming this thing the centre of your life
    My advice is to us the SAI course book and discs from Dr Richards.


  • #46
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 14,344 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Unreg01 wrote: »
    Has anyone tried hypnosis for social anxiety?

    Have seen this guy advertised in the paper a bit... www.barrysinclair.com

    Not sure if it's any good or if there's any success stories out there??


    Dunno who he is, but there may actually be something to that whole hypnotism lark.


    A guy I know went to a hypnotist woman before about smoking. He's smoked his entire life, but after the meeting with her, never smoked again.


    Obviously it's different for everyone, and personally, I'd have put hypnotism down to being a Disney thing, but there must be something to it. I'd say it is expensive though.


  • #47
    Whatsyourface
    Registered Users Posts: 50 ✭✭Whatsyourface


    Hey i suffer... and i mean SUFFER from Social Anxiety myself...

    I know someone who used hypnotherapy to quit smoking. He took ONE cigarette a while after that just for the sake of it and now he's back on them again. I'm afraid incase, say you have the hypnotherapy and someone says one comment to affect your confidence. Would that bring the social anxiety back? Im gonna try continual self hypnosis by the use of Paul McKennas books/mind-programming CD's and hope that works.
    Heres a list of some of the material i have/am going to use:

    Overcoming Social Anxiety by Dr. Thomas A. Richards:
    This is a CBT series. 20 tapes/CD's and worksheets. You do one session each week. I started it but lacked motivation to keep it up. It involves a lot of commitment. The guys voice can be really boring.
    Though that said, CBT is a great method and I've heard great reviews of this series!

    Supreme Self-Confidence by Paul McKenna:
    NLP. Neuro-Linguistic Programming. This man is a God it seems. Has a way of keeping you interested and I've faith in him. This is an E-book with two audio tracks, one is a few techniques you practice daily and the second is a hypnosis/relaxation track. The man makes a lot of sense and Im going to start using this method soon.

    Instant Confidence by Paul McKenna:
    A book and CD by Paul McKenna - I havent started this yet but its gotta be good. The CD is a hypnosis track and the book is packed full of techniques and some interesting points are made!

    Change Your Life in 7 days by (yes, you guessed it..) Paul McKenna:
    I dont know about the rest of the book but the first chapter is on Self-Image. So coupled with the CD its bound to make some positive changes!


    Theres another book by Gillian Butler but i cant remember what its called. I suggest ye look it up though. Ive heard its good!

    If anyone wants info on any forums/websites for SA sufferers PM me!
    Also if anyone knows anything about NLP and using it for multiple things at once id love to be in contact!


  • #48
    konnod321
    Registered Users Posts: 15 ✭konnod321


    mod edit

    we dont give medical advice here


  • #49
    tikkaman
    Closed Accounts Posts: 32 ✭tikkaman


    phi3 wrote: »
    i dont really want to mess thinks up with my bf, with this depression or whatever it is either.


    MOD SNIP-PLEASE DONT OFFER A DIAGNOSIS ONLINE

    i don't know how you managed to have a boyfriend with SA, as i've not had the confidence to ask any female out for years.... :(

    i started going to CBT theropy recently, it makes sense of everything thats going on in your head....

    the first thing i though was jesus the ammount of people that have it...!!!!

    i stumbled on this board by accident, but if ou wish to talk about things drop me a line...

    tikkaman.


  • #50
    RubyXI
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,596 ✭✭✭RubyXI


    tikkaman wrote: »

    i don't know how you managed to have a boyfriend with SA, as i've not had the confidence to ask any female out for years.... :(

    i started going to CBT theropy recently, it makes sense of everything thats going on in your head....

    the first thing i though was jesus the ammount of people that have it...!!!!

    i stumbled on this board by accident, but if ou wish to talk about things drop me a line...

    tikkaman.

    Hi,
    i started this thread a while ago where all of us who feel the same can talk about it with other people who understand what we're going through. Feel free to join in:)

    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055828992


  • #51
    Sabbathmc
    Closed Accounts Posts: 8 ✭Sabbathmc


    It's funny how people are so open on virtual discussion forums but wouldn't talk to random people in real life.
    Anyways I've been suffering from social anxiety disorder since I was quite young , I was probably born with it(damn you genetics), and recently Speech related anxiety. Also moderate depression because of it..

    One thing I have come to learn is that my"illness"/"suffering is a huge part of who I am,Apart from trying out various treatments, cbt, meds the only thing I can do is ACCEPT what I have and try my best to live my life no matter how extreme it gets
    Yes I'm quite strong minded, thank you :p:)
    Not a lot of people know about my illness
    new people just think Im shy/stuck up/highly strung lol
    I say that now as if its nothing but it bothers the hell outta me.
    The main ways that S.A affects me most is

    a)not being able to act like myself because my anxiety takes over-peoples perceptions of me are completely ****ered up
    b)feeling distant to friends I've known for years-some weeks being able to hang out with them, other weeks telling them I don't feel great and won't be seeing them for a while
    c)avoiding doing things I should be able to do-make phone calls,go to events without difficulty,go out for a run/jog ect.
    d) feeling extremely awkward/uncomfortable when walking /eating on my own when people are around
    e) Not being able to express myself the way I want to in words when I'm talking to people/ especially when i attempt to talk to new people-god what a mess(speech related anxiety)
    f)The physical symptoms-heart palpitations,shaking,general awkwardness.
    g) not being able to tell people about my struggle in the fear that they won't believe or fully understand me( I'm good at covering up my anxiety, appearing confident when needs be). unless its so bad that i feel physically ill(panic attacks)

    There are many many other things that I experience because of my "mental difficulties".
    starting off in new environments i.e college has been a HUGE one for me, Dreading starting a new course next September *shivers.

    B.t.w If you can't afford private therapy and don't mind waiting for about a year or so..
    go to your g.p and s/he'll refer you to hse public psychotherapy services..
    Im in both group/individual "free" therapy sessions and have been for the past two years


    Don't overlook it, even if you dont think you have it that bad- in many cases it will manifest itself and will only escalate, causing problems more severe that just "feeling uncomfortable in some social situations".

    hope that long message post has assisted some people at least,
    If not, sorry for wasting five minutes of your life haha

    peace. :).


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