Social Anxiety Disorder

[Smelly Socks]

I only have 2 friends, I can't hold a job, I get scared to death of talking to new people... all because of this fucking shit. I can't even answer the phone if I don't recognize the number. I always make someone else pay for my movie ticket at the theater. I am so sick of this.

I have more things wrong with me than I care to admit. Fear of commitment, fear of abandonment on top of that, etc. but this is the thing that bothers me most. I can't even keep a job for my fear of people. It's sad. I was wondering if there is anyone else out there with this shitty disorder, and what they have done/used to overcome it.

I was thinking about Zoloft, but I don't have insurance or a job to pay for it. I'm so fucked. http://www.hipforums.com/forums/images/smilies/sad.gif

[hippiehillbilly]

sister ive been that way for 20 years..

at least..

dont do the goverment mind control pills to cope..

youll get comfortable with who ya are,,an youll find more folks that understand..

tis true,,i dont even like signin my signature,,no phone,no stores unless im forced,,never touch money or cards..

yeah im a fruitloop as well..
tis all good sister.. ;)

JUST SAY NO TO PRESCRIPTION DRUGS!!

luv n lite..

[hippiehillbilly]

advice for work,,..
try somethin outdoors,a lot of landscaping companys employ women to plant flowers,, weed tight spots,etc..

an theres always farm work or construction..
get to the country,,it seems to heal most of the angst..

luv n lite..

[fulmah]

I was wondering if there is anyone else out there with this shitty disorder, and what they have done/used to overcome it.

I was thinking about Zoloft, but I don't have insurance or a job to pay for it. I'm so fucked. http://www.hipforums.com/forums/images/smilies/sad.gif
I don't have it, but know a few people that do. I wouldn't recommend Zoloft... I'd recommend Lexapro... studies done to show it's effectiveness against this disorder to be 85% (that's really good in these studies). You can probably get free samples from many clinics.

If you don't want medication, but still want help, I'd recommend CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). I absolutely love CBT and recommend it all the time to just about anyone with any type of problem... because it works! The NIMH has done hundreds and hundreds of studies to test how effective it works against this disorder, and the vast majority of people have a major improvement in their quality of life. On top of that, CBT is only takes 12 weeks to complete.

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/anxiety.cfm#anx9

[hippiehillbilly]

i love my quality of life..

an over the years ive found many like minded,, an not so freinds..i see no reason to medicate something that was brainwashed into someone to begin with..

you become "anti social" because of events in your life..
your not born with it..

an even if ya were,, as i dont discount,, ya should consider it a gift an not a curse..

there is so much to be learned from the outside lookin in..

it helps develop 6th sence..

an ya wanna destroy that with chemicals?

my advice is no..
luv n lite

[alex714]

How long have you been feeling like this? Did it develop because of certain events?

[fulmah]

i love my quality of life..

an over the years ive found many like minded,, an not so freinds..i see no reason to medicate something that was brainwashed into someone to begin with..

you become "anti social" because of events in your life..
your not born with it..

an even if ya were,, as i dont discount,, ya should consider it a gift an not a curse..

there is so much to be learned from the outside lookin in..

it helps develop 6th sence..

an ya wanna destroy that with chemicals?

my advice is no..
luv n lite
That's great that you've come to accept it and are happy with you the way you are... and I really mean that too, please don't read any sarcasm. If the orginal poster comes to accept that, then that's fantastic. However, I take it that the OP doesn't like being that way and wants to do something to change it.

I did not just recommend taking medication, either. I realize that many people are against it and feel they should know there are still other options available, especially when dealing with mental health professionals. No psychologist can write a prescription for any medicine, ever. They use other ways to beat things like social anxiety disorder without drugs, the best, imo, being CBT, which is therapy that combines cognitive processes (what you're thinking/feeling, why you think/feel that way) and behavior adjustment (realizing how you behave to avoid those negative feelings, in this case, isolating yourself, and developing a way to turn negative feelings into positive ones).

[Smelly Socks]

sister ive been that way for 20 years..

at least..

dont do the goverment mind control pills to cope..

youll get comfortable with who ya are,,an youll find more folks that understand..

tis true,,i dont even like signin my signature,,no phone,no stores unless im forced,,never touch money or cards..

yeah im a fruitloop as well..
tis all good sister.. ;)

JUST SAY NO TO PRESCRIPTION DRUGS!!

luv n lite..I don't really think I would want to take prescription drugs anyway, but if it's the only thing that works, maybe I should...

So far I'm really lucky that the 2 friends that I do have are really understanding, but other people aren't.

Thanks, it's good to know there's other crazy bastards out there like me, and we're not alone.

[Smelly Socks]

How long have you been feeling like this? Did it develop because of certain events?I've been like this my entire life. I had a really shitty childhood. My mom was addicted to crack for a while and was constantly jumping from one abusive husband/boyfriend to the next. We moved alot, at least 6 times. My dad left when I was 2 and I've only seen him once since, when I was 6. My sister's dad killed himself back in 1998. I had to live my grandparents for a while and had a huge fallout with them and now I don't talk to anyone outside my immediate family. Just my mom and sister. There's a whole lot more, but after reading all that I feel even crazier.... http://www.hipforums.com/forums/images/smilies/eek.gif

[WhisperingWoods]

I was like that for a while, up until this point. There are two things that come to mind, Schizotypal disorder (which resembles what I got over) and Avoidant personality (which sounds like what you've got).

I believe that when I started more frequent cannabis use, I mellowed out a lot and began to accept the fact that other people can get as nervous as me, sometimes. I just need to relax, have a little fun, and be open to them and my social anxiety disappears. Also helps the other people to relax and be nice.

[Smelly Socks]

I smoke bud often, not everyday but at least every other. So far that hasn't helped anything...

[prismatism]

i have that too. i won't use the phone, unless i'm calling one of my very closest friends (and i still get anxious, because i'm terrified someone will pick up and i won't know who it is, it won't be who i want to talk to, they won't know who's calling, they'll think i'm rude, etc). i can't turn in any schoolwork because it isn't good enough, i'm scared of what the teacher will think, i'm scared i won't be able to do it so i don't even attempt. i write a LOT, but i never ever let anyone read any of it, and i hide what i write just in case. my laptop has a password because i'm scared someone will get on it and find my journals. when i get on the computer, i never maximize any of my windows and i always pop something up in front of them whenever anyone comes in the room. when i meet someone, or just encounter them in a public environment (if we bump into eachother at a grocery store or they tell me they like my hair or something), i always think they don't like me because i wasn't nice enough or i sounded awkward or i didn't compliment them enough, or i walked weird, or some part of me was twitching and i didn't realize it.

i'm sorry if i'm not helping at all :(. but i can definately relate. i don't know what to say to help, because i'm in the same situation. i guess, just remember, most people are too self centered to even notice if you are weird. and appreciate that you can see the way people interact from an outside perspective, it's pretty interesting.

[Smelly Socks]

It is good to know I'm not the only one, but it fucking feels like it sometimes.

I write alot too, I have like 15 notebooks full of stuff.

And I do that with the computer too.

[lynsey]

I've felt like that to some degree these past couple weeks. Spring is always a horrible time for me though, very stressful. I usually shut down emotionaly no matter how hard I try to get out there and do things.
I know how you feel. I speand almost an hour getting ready just to go to the grocery store sometimes so I think I look okay enough to go out in public, it's insane. I needed to go get gas today but thought I looked so gross from going to the gym that I wouldn't get it so now I'm so empty I don't know if I can make it to the gas station tommorow):. It's horrible ): I need to get over it.

[hippiejessica]

I have social anxiety disorder. I hate it.

[fritz]

Originally posted by Smelly Socks
I only have 2 friends, I can't hold a job, I get scared to death of talking to new people... all because of this fucking shit. I can't even answer the phone if I don't recognize the number. I always make someone else pay for my movie ticket at the theater. I am so sick of this.

I have more things wrong with me than I care to admit. Fear of commitment, fear of abandonment on top of that, etc. but this is the thing that bothers me most. I can't even keep a job for my fear of people. It's sad. I was wondering if there is anyone else out there with this shitty disorder, and what they have done/used to overcome it.Been that way since my teens..It has lessened with age, but you've got to keep facing it. It sucks, but that's the only way I know..Besides valium, & whatnot.
The more you go out, & bad scenarios DON'T go down..The more confidence you'll build. You get a bit less sensitive to everything. It takes time though.
I hope you can find some coping mechanisms to get through this. Good luck, & don't stop trying if you can help it.

[fritz]

Oh, & you can try looking this up for advice on the net if you think it'll help out any.-

Anthropophobia- Fear of people or society.

[HotBox420]

wow, i never knew that other people felt this way and had this problem too. I've been reading on here and you guys are literally word for word describing the exact problems that I have. I dont recomend cannibis use. Ive been doin it alot for along time and I think that it is the weed that has helped make me this way..i would describe all my issues, but they have all been said already in this forum..i stopped smoking a couple days ago and they are clearing up a little bit, but i know that weed isnt the only reason. I may try to use some medication, but the fact that i have to go to the doctor, fill out papers to get free insurance and all that just is way too overwhelming for me..ill be sleepless until i do get in, thinking about hoow i will describe it, but what if he doesnt believe me, but what if i sound weird or look weird. I can NEVER look somebody in the eyes when talking to them..i walk with my head down..i have SEVERE social anxiety and i HATE it!!!!

[Smelly Socks]

I think weed makes it worse for me as well, if I'm in a social setting. If I'm alone or with a verrrry close friend it's awesome.

[hippiehillbilly]

im a alchoholic,, but because of my phobia,, if ya wanna call it that ,, i never drink till im done with society,..

i never smoke,, even on weekends here in my comfort zone till im done with my responsibilities,, an ive got a couple 3 beers in me,..

then on my home turf,, ill take a couple hits..

we travle outta town for work a good bit,, an i always demand puttin a towel under the door to the hallway an if possible crackin a window,, an always turnin the bathroom fan on before anyone smokes..

yeah,, i guess for some herb aint the best release..

but i love gettin baked on a friday or saturday night an bangin on a drum..


its all relavent to this brain skewq..

[Inquiring-Mind]

having SAD life sucks and rocks. If I was super rich, I won't mind having SAD.

[zeppelin kid]

Life is out of control when you fear the everyday situations that every person endures to be succesful in life. I too have social anxiety and wasnt always like this but one day I woke up and wasnt the same ever again. I cant go outside and enjoy myself because Im extremely anxious and paranoid and would rather sit inside all day by myself because everyday life I just cant handle. I had friends but dont hang out with them anymore because I just cant trust anyone. I cant get high anymore because I bug out and I believe that and shrooms is what messed my brain up.

[Inquiring-Mind]

Are you guys angst about who is watching you, listening to you, what people think when out in public? Also, where to look and place your eyes. Do you experience eye phobia?

[prismatism]

oh hell yes, eye phobia. if i'm just looking around, and someone looks me in the eye, my brain goes crazy, thinking "THEY THINK I WAS STARING AT THEM, SHIT, NOW THEY THINK I'M WEIRD OR OBSESSED WITH THEM, DAMNIT! RUN AWAAAY!" even if our eyes only met for two seconds.

and i think that everyone is staring at me, wondering why i'm not talking. and they are. they say, "hey, why are you so quiet?"

[fritz]

I have days when I have trouble looking my co-workers in the eyes.

[lynsey]

same here I love to smoke but don't because it makes me paranoid and lethargic but I do miss it ):I think weed makes it worse for me as well, if I'm in a social setting. If I'm alone or with a verrrry close friend it's awesome.

[Smelly Socks]

I get paranoid like crazy if I'm high in public. I wouldn't go into a store stoned even with the promise of a million dollars.

[fulmah]

Just wanted to share this with any of you guys that's having problems with social anxiety. If you aren't familiar with how CBT works to resolve these issues, I highly recommend reading this article and seeing if it accurately describes what goes on in your head, and a reasonable way to overcome the anxiety. Don't think that if you've been to a therapist, or two, or ten, that it's useless to keep trying. The most common mistake a lot of people make is not asking a therapist they're considering seeing how they go about treating patients with (in this case) social anxiety, how successful they are, and how long the process to recovery takes. Those aren't stupid questions by any means, in fact, it makes no sense not to ask. Anyways, it's a fairly long article, but it's still only a very general outline of how the therapy works, particularly when it comes to the exercises.
http://www.cognitivetherapy.com/socPhobPrint.html

[tuesdayafternoon]

I suffererd from this for almost 4 years now. Just recently have I started to get better. Im almost 23 and the anxiety has lessoned quite a bit. I started reading about our human evolution and came to a realization that we are all the same, no matter what social class, race, ethnic background, or religion. That has helped me out quite a bit. You must remind yourself of this when you are in public.
In addition I listen to The Beatles qute a bit and even though it might sound funny, I think that it has helped out ALOT.

[myself]

I only have 2 friends, I can't hold a job, I get scared to death of talking to new people... all because of this fucking shit. I can't even answer the phone if I don't recognize the number. I always make someone else pay for my movie ticket at the theater. I am so sick of this.

I have more things wrong with me than I care to admit. Fear of commitment, fear of abandonment on top of that, etc. but this is the thing that bothers me most. I can't even keep a job for my fear of people. It's sad. I was wondering if there is anyone else out there with this shitty disorder, and what they have done/used to overcome it.

I was thinking about Zoloft, but I don't have insurance or a job to pay for it. I'm so fucked. http://www.hipforums.com/forums/images/smilies/sad.gifHi,
Me too am in this stupidity of a state of mind.
My parents make me feel useless because after all I can't do much by myself, being scared by getting to be among people and deal with various social situations.
And I am to become a teacher...
Getting to be among work colleagues is my worst nightmare...
The only way I can express my opinion 'in public' is on forums on the Internet... otherwise I can't open my mouth...

[drazil]

i understand where u at cuz i been there too and its mot a nice place to be.but i take meds now and i am do it alot better now.i dont get as freaked out anymore or worried about others thoughts or judgements of me.but that cbt sounds good,sounds like werk ,but if u want something bad enuff you has to werk 4 it rite.anyways,good luck in the serch for whatever it is thats going to help u,and you'll find it,and when u do u will wonder why you were so freaked out before.wish u well

[Tipo Sensuale]

I only have 2 friends, I can't hold a job, I get scared to death of talking to new people... all because of this fucking shit. I can't even answer the phone if I don't recognize the number. I always make someone else pay for my movie ticket at the theater. I am so sick of this.

I have more things wrong with me than I care to admit. Fear of commitment, fear of abandonment on top of that, etc. but this is the thing that bothers me most. I can't even keep a job for my fear of people. It's sad. I was wondering if there is anyone else out there with this shitty disorder, and what they have done/used to overcome it.

I was thinking about Zoloft, but I don't have insurance or a job to pay for it. I'm so fucked. http://www.hipforums.com/forums/images/smilies/sad.gif
although i've only ever had this disorder in a mild way, I can understand how it fucks with your life. I had the problems of holding a job, answering the phone, talking to people, and you should have seen me shake at the thought of buying a car or a phone or anything that involved talking to a pressurizing sales guy.

I went through the main stream route of pills and therapy, the pills just made me feel sick and tired 24/7, the therapy just made me feel like a complete loser (and this was on the NHS so you don't get to choose your treatment).
After a few years, and the failure of my first marriage, I just had to get a job. Not because I wasn't afraid, but just to pay the bills. And I was shit scared and shaking most of the time, I would hardly talk to anyone and went through about 10 jobs. Luckily I eventually stumbled into a job that was cool. It was a government job, the manager didn't know what i was meant to be doing he just needed someone to fill the post, the job was piss easy and something that I knew I could do with my eyes shut, and people would come up to me and talk about work. Slowly I learned to deal with the urge to run and hide, the urge to look down at the desk when people talked to me, the feeling of just clamming up and having a heart attack when people talked to me.
That job finished just because I went travelling to find myself once I had mastered a little bit of hiding my true feelings and the wall of confidence. I found several similar jobs where people just leave you to it and you work on your own - deliverys, outdoor work, traffic counts etc.
Nowadays I feel I still have a lot of the same anxieties, but just have learnt to show confidence by how I stand, how I talk, how I look people in the eyes.
Yes it might be a front, but dammit sometimes the front can make you feel better because the reactions from people encourage your inner confidence.

I still get shit scared about talking to people on the phone - whether I make the call or whether people call me; and when I meet new people in a crowded social area - bars, pubs, clubs, wherever. Its just something I deal with, and have learnt to deal with by summoning up that inner courage to know I am better than the sum of my anxieties.


So if you feel you need the pills, then take the pills, but remember that the therapist or doctor proscribing them to you is giving them to you as a temporary measure. They no longer all believe that anxieties are a permanent disability and will try to ease you off them at the same time as other therapies.

If you decide not to go with medication then try things like drama classes and tutors - they have custom designed classes in a lot of cities which help conquer stage fright and shyness amongst other things.

I always remember reading a book years ago - I think it was called Improv or something similar.

This drama teacher had a class where some of the students had serious problems with stage fright, he tried a technique using masks, he gave the students random masks and they had to go on stage doing this piece that had given them the worst fears. All of them managed to perform it well, just through knowing that no-one could see the face behind the mask.
He then got them to picture the mask on their face each time they got this fear, yeah an invisible mask or whatever, but they found that picturing that noone could see their fears made them able to be more confident.

And then theres the stanislavski exercise - if you have fear in a crowd, visualise a circle around you, your personal space, outside of which nothing exists. Picture the room or the street or whatever empty. It sounds dumb but it worked for me a lot of the time.

[Tipo Sensuale]

oh and maybe cut down on the ganj, I know I am gonna get a lot of flack for saying this, but it can make some people fucking hugely paranoid, like way more than other people, and some people that paranoia doesn't stop. Consider it like an allergy, yeah everyone gets paranoid sometimes when smoking, but if you're "allergic" you get the paranoia 100 times worse.

[drazil]

yeah i can attest to that ganja paranoia,cuz it'll really make your perceptions seem alot werse and you'll get all freaked out about.

[Inquiring-Mind]

i understand where u at cuz i been there too and its mot a nice place to be.but i take meds now and i am do it alot better now.i dont get as freaked out anymore or worried about others thoughts or judgements of me.but that cbt sounds good,sounds like werk ,but if u want something bad enuff you has to werk 4 it rite.anyways,good luck in the serch for whatever it is thats going to help u,and you'll find it,and when u do u will wonder why you were so freaked out before.wish u well

What kind of meds?

[myself]

hmmm...

[drazil]

effexor

[ridin'thegravytrain]

I only have 2 friends, I can't hold a job, I get scared to death of talking to new people... all because of this fucking shit. I can't even answer the phone if I don't recognize the number. I always make someone else pay for my movie ticket at the theater. I am so sick of this.

I have more things wrong with me than I care to admit. Fear of commitment, fear of abandonment on top of that, etc. but this is the thing that bothers me most. I can't even keep a job for my fear of people. It's sad. I was wondering if there is anyone else out there with this shitty disorder, and what they have done/used to overcome it.



dude i know EXACTLY how you feel. i'm the same way i have one friend and she leaves for college sunday

[ridin'thegravytrain]

im terrified of groups of people. i had a panc attack one morning before school cuz i was afraid of people looking at me, and in class i could never concentrate because i was too worried that people were laughing at me

[ridin'thegravytrain]

panic**

[JLPMGHRS]

i have the same thing. i can't relax in public whatsoever. I've avoided going to partys and gatherings i've been invited to because i didn't want to have to interact with all the people i didn't know. not that i don't like people, but i just can't relax in a room full of people at all.


like when i'm riding the subway to work i'm uptight the whole time, looking at people. i can't just chill out without worrying about people looking at me and talking about me. i never know where to put my eyes and can't stop focusing my attention on people. then me being nervous i think makes other people nervous. or when i meet someone and they introduce themselves i can't remember their name 10 secs later because i wasn't paying attention to what they said i was assessing the whole situation.

I can look at myself from the outside and see that it is a stupid way to be and say who cares what other people think or say, but it's a lot harder to put that mindset into pratice when in public. I'm just on edge pretty much the whole time.

I used to smoke(which may or may not have contributed to this) and have thought about starting again just to mellow out, but i haven't. I have trouble getting a job too just because of the interaction factor. even writing this i see how stupid it is and irrational but it's a mindset i haven't been able to avoid yet.

i've had it since high school( when the teacher would start asking questions or asking people to read out load my heart would start pounding, my face would turn red and i'd start panicking) but i just read about social anxiety disorder for the first time at the beginning of this year. i wouldn't trust the prescription drugs that are available, which most of them they hardly even test.

i think masking it with anything(alcohol, drugs etc...) isn't going to solve the problem but i've definatley been at the point where i been willing to try anything. i haven't gotten rid of it but i can definately relate to the previous posts. as metioned earlier listening to the beatles is always helpful.

[JLPMGHRS]

i have the same thing. i can't relax in public whatsoever. I've avoided going to partys and gatherings i've been invited to because i didn't want to have to interact with all the people i didn't know. not that i don't like people, but i just can't relax in a room full of people at all.


like when i'm riding the subway to work i'm uptight the whole time, looking at people. i can't just chill out without worrying about people looking at me and talking about me. i never know where to put my eyes and can't stop focusing my attention on people. then me being nervous i think makes other people nervous. or when i meet someone and they introduce themselves i can't remember their name 10 secs later because i wasn't paying attention to what they said i was assessing the whole situation.

I can look at myself from the outside and see that it is a stupid way to be and say who cares what other people think or say, but it's a lot harder to put that mindset into pratice when in public. I'm just on edge pretty much the whole time.

I used to smoke(which may or may not have contributed to this) and have thought about starting again just to mellow out, but i haven't. I have trouble getting a job too just because of the interaction factor. even writing this i see how stupid it is and irrational but it's a mindset i haven't been able to avoid yet.

i've had it since high school( when the teacher would start asking questions or asking people to read out load my heart would start pounding, my face would turn red and i'd start panicking) but i just read about social anxiety disorder for the first time at the beginning of this year. i wouldn't trust the prescription drugs that are available, which most of them they hardly even test.

i think masking it with anything(alcohol, drugs etc...) isn't going to solve the problem but i've definatley been at the point where i been willing to try anything. i haven't gotten rid of it but i can definately relate to the previous posts. as mentioned earlier listening to the beatles is always helpful.

[JLPMGHRS]

sorry about the double post! it didn't go through the first time.

[eagle feather]

I just read your first post and sorry that you are deabilitated. sp? I had some similar experiences that were awful to deal with....at times my ability to talk just vanished.. I started on Paxil and it really helped.

Have you checked into county or state mental health clinics to help pay for Zoloft? Some medication have generics out such as Prozac and are much cheaper...check into them.

[starsofsilverfish]

I know how all of guys feel because I too suffer from SAD. It's amazing how this disorder makes us have so much in common with each other. we should all make a plan to meet... but we probably wouldn't go through with it lol.

I just take each day one at a time because I would never surrender to medication. So, be strong.

[hgh238]

i have the same thing. i can't relax in public whatsoever. I've avoided going to partys and gatherings i've been invited to because i didn't want to have to interact with all the people i didn't know. not that i don't like people, but i just can't relax in a room full of people at all.


like when i'm riding the subway to work i'm uptight the whole time, looking at people. i can't just chill out without worrying about people looking at me and talking about me. i never know where to put my eyes and can't stop focusing my attention on people. then me being nervous i think makes other people nervous. or when i meet someone and they introduce themselves i can't remember their name 10 secs later because i wasn't paying attention to what they said i was assessing the whole situation.

I can look at myself from the outside and see that it is a stupid way to be and say who cares what other people think or say, but it's a lot harder to put that mindset into pratice when in public. I'm just on edge pretty much the whole time.

I used to smoke(which may or may not have contributed to this) and have thought about starting again just to mellow out, but i haven't. I have trouble getting a job too just because of the interaction factor. even writing this i see how stupid it is and irrational but it's a mindset i haven't been able to avoid yet.

i've had it since high school( when the teacher would start asking questions or asking people to read out load my heart would start pounding, my face would turn red and i'd start panicking) but i just read about social anxiety disorder for the first time at the beginning of this year. i wouldn't trust the prescription drugs that are available, which most of them they hardly even test.

i think masking it with anything(alcohol, drugs etc...) isn't going to solve the problem but i've definatley been at the point where i been willing to try anything. i haven't gotten rid of it but i can definately relate to the previous posts. as mentioned earlier listening to the beatles is always helpful.Your description of being on a subway is exactly how I am. I have that same paranoia about not knowing where to look because you don't want to stare at somebody and then they have an issue. And you also don't want to look only at the ceiling or the floor because then you'll look like a nut. I hate going on the trains because of that. Thats why I always have to sit down with an empty seat across from me so I'm not forced to look at someone or forced not to look directly at someone.

[eagle feather]

It is really amazing to hear how others feel since I have been fighting these feelings all my life. At one point I couldn'g look people in the eye....it was awful. Then later at times I could not talk or feared stuttering....so I wouldn't talk. Then later, during dinners with strangers I would break out into a sweat and feel really embarrassed. Going into banks was a huge fear so I avoided them. Large grocery stores would give me panic attacks so I had to leave. All of these problems really raises havoc with jobs and families.

I feel better now since I have been taking effexor and lamictal. If the doctor prescribes the wrong dose then the side effects are really awful. Take less

[ripple]

Wow, so many of these things happen to me! At least i know what it is called now :) I have a thing about not answering phone calls from unknown numbers. Not knowing where to look was a problem sometimes when I used to get stoned a lot, part of why I stopped getting stoned! Things are a fair bit better now though, have got a talk to do in front of the whole class at college and im not the least bit worried about it...yet :p

[Lady Fantastique]

I wish I knew what the remedy for SAD is. I've ALWAYS believed that I was the only one going through this, but I relate to everything everybody has posted so far:

I can't look people in the eye; hell, I don't even know where to look in general (the worst is when I'm walking down the street and somebody is walking from the opposite direction and we're about to pass each other-do I look at them? Do I look down? Do I look at some random object? Should I pretend that I'm getting something from my purse?); I am barely able to talk when I have to speak in front of a group of people or to somebody I don't really know (and sometimes I total avoid speaking altogether in fear that I might say something really stupid); when somebody does talk to me, I can't concentrate to what they're saying because I'm too busy being critical on myself; when I get nervous I burn up and feel really, really uncomfortable and fidget; I have a fear of commitment and also of abandonment; both work and school have suffered; I don't feel I'm nice enough to people, nor give enough compliments; people always ask me why I'm so quiet and why I don't smile more; I never go to parties or gatherings 'cause I'm too afraid that I'll be all alone, making me even more noticable and vulnerable, which would mean everybody will look at and talk about me.

Needless to say, I don't do well in public. And I've ruined so many relationships because of this. They don't understand what I'm going through. They don't realize the times I've cried over this and how it's ruining my life. Some think that all I have to do is just not care about what others think of me, as though I can get over this and move on at the drop of a dime. I'm too scared to talk to anybody about it because I don't want them to think I'm stupid, and I don't want to go on meds because I'm very sure that that's not going to solve my problem in the long run.

[Lady Fantastique]

oh hell yes, eye phobia. if i'm just looking around, and someone looks me in the eye, my brain goes crazy, thinking "THEY THINK I WAS STARING AT THEM, SHIT, NOW THEY THINK I'M WEIRD OR OBSESSED WITH THEM, DAMNIT! RUN AWAAAY!" even if our eyes only met for two seconds.

and i think that everyone is staring at me, wondering why i'm not talking. and they are. they say, "hey, why are you so quiet?"That actually happened to me a couple nights ago! I was at an Indian restaurant and there was this couple sitting at the table next to mine. Without consciously being aware of it I was staring at the woman's tea, which she was busy sipping. She noticed I was looking. I felt really embarrassed. I turned away really fast. A minute passed by and I did it again. For the remainder of the night I did whatever humanly possible to avoid that table altogether.

[eagle feather]

These phobias that I have last for awhile then morph into another tormenting one after many months. My brain always something for me......ick....For awhile I can't look at someone in the eye, then months later shaking hands is awful since my palms are sweaty, and it's really embarassing. I'm getting used to it and tell myself, it's just the way I am, so don't fight it. When I fight it, the phobia comes on really strong.

[ripple]

Heres a link to a video I found, might be interesting to some folk...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuTzg8vRzA8&mode=related&search=