Solutions for Social Anxiety Disorder
Does anyone have any solutions for social anxiety disorder?
Anxiety Question:
Does anyone have any solutions for social anxiety disorder?
Whenever I go out by myself, like to go grocery shopping, to new places, meetings where I don't know anyone - generally places with a lot of unfamiliar people, I have tons of anxiety.
I sweat profusely (even when it's not hot in the places) and I'm extremely nervous. I am on anti anxiety medications but are there any solutions besides adding more meds in dealing with social anxiety disorder?
Anxiety Answer:
Take a moment to consider what's going on inside your own head when you are suffering form social anxiety disorder. What comes to mind when you think about going someplace new on your own?
How do your thoughts and feelings change when you think about going to the same new place with someone you know? How do your thoughts and feelings change when you think about going to the same place with someone else?
When I find myself stressed out in a place or situation, I can sometimes wrestle with the fear by thinking about where it comes from: perhaps something bad happened in a similar place when I was younger, but I'm older and I've had time to think about what else I could do or say.
It might be useful to ask a good friend to help you with your social anxiety disorder. Go someplace where neither of you have ever been. Bring a notebook and a couple of reliable pens/pencils. Find a comfortable place to sit, and have your friend sit within arm's reach, but out of your direct line of sight.
Either start writing down as much of what comes into your head as you can, thoughts and feelings and images, or start talking so that your friend can write it all down.
If you get too upset, just turn to look at your friend to reassure yourself that he or she is still there. When you calm down enough, try again.
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