2 yrs, 8 mths ago

Social Anxiety

I think I have bad social anxiety, I hate going to places on my own and I can’t look strangers in the eye when I’m talking to them. When I was younger I was a social butterfly especially when I moved out of state and and lived on my own. I used to go shopping by myself talk to random strangers I meet in changing rooms etc. When I was 21 I moved back home, my mum has been constantly putting me down, for me talking loud, or words I use or how I behave etc. So I moved away after 2 years living with them. Now I’m happy married. However I now can’t even go to the grocery store by myself, going shopping by myself is not even possible, I can’t talk to people and I freaked out when my boss told me to make some calls to a few customers to remind them about a meeting. I booked hypnotherapy for social anxiety next month. Has anyone tried something like this?

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Replies

  • 2 yrs, 3 mths ago

    Anxiety can be very serious. If you experience symptoms of anxiety, talk to your doctor right away. Your doctor can connect you to healthcare professionals (such as counselors or therapists) who can help you work through your emotions and can help determine if medication might be right for you.. You can read on anti anxiety meds on https://www.canadapharmacy.com/

  • 2 yrs, 7 mths ago

    I had a friend who swore by hypnotherapy!
    She used it to get over a particularly bad breakup and at the end of the second session she went home, saw a photo of her ex and felt completely indifferent towards him.

    I understand how you must feel. My mum is Indian and as anyone with an Indian (or even east asian) mother would know, they can be criticising and judgmental (think of the mum from Bend it like Beckham). I just turned 30 and still have a hard time with conflict and voicing my opinion.
    Sending you e-hugs and I hope hypnotherapy helps!

  • 2 yrs, 8 mths ago

    I’ve never had hypnotherapy for anything, but I want you to know Roxybabe that you’re not alone in suffering with social anxiety because guess what? This chicky here does too. (I’m also someone who finds it difficult to look people in the eye when speaking…there’s something about it that feels intense! I do try my hardest on that front though.)

    I’ve definitely had some form of anxiety since I was a wee one (even before the bullying I experienced as a child & adolescent at school), but didn’t seek help for it until I was about 26/27, which was when I was diagnosed with social anxiety. Traditional therapy (i.e. CBT – cognitive behavioural therapy) with a psychologist has helped me and my 2nd stint in therapy a couple of years ago was even more beneficial for me as I learnt about DBT (dialectical behaviour therapy) & how that mode of therapy works. Not gonna lie, I’m not always 100% well – this pandemic & the ever-worsening situation in Sydney is really testing my mental health right now – but I try & do what I can to ease my inner turmoil.

    As Indie said above, there are so many ways in which to treat anxiety; you just need to find the way/s that are best for you & your situation. What works for me might not work for you & vice versa. Do feel free to come in & chat with us whenever you feel like you need to reach out – the Lift Esteem thread is good for that:

    https://www.beautyheaven.com.au/forums/health-and-wellbeing/lift-esteem?page=310

  • 2 yrs, 8 mths ago

    I did hypnotherapy a few years after going though trauma which was causing me a lot of anxiety. (I made sure the person I went to was well trained, experienced and had good reviews). I needed a few sessions but I found it reasonably helpful. I felt relieved and calmer but it wasn’t the only support I reached out for as things can be in layers which we unfold as or when we are ready (if that makes sense). I have also found other things helpful too such as counselling, kinesiology, reading self help books from the library and like others have said there are some great resources on YouTube. All the best to you.

  • 2 yrs, 8 mths ago

    Thank you everyone. I’m so glad I’m not alone. Xx

    • 2 yrs, 8 mths ago

      You`re definitely not alone, Roxy. I`ve had anxiety for years to the point of having bouts of agoraphobia. I have found that exposure therapy is best for me, but doing so in small steps increasing activity away from home in increments, slowly. The other thing that works is accepting the anxiety and allowing it to pass, although this I find extremely difficult in the moment after 15 years of conditioning myself to run away from and trying hard to avoid panic attacks, which really can feel debilitating and terrifying. I`m also on medication which isn`t for everyone but has helped to reduce the severity of my anxiety, unfortunately the side effect being extreme tiredness for me.

      I wish the best for you and hope that you find the solution for you because this doesn`t need to be a life sentence. There are so many therapies available, you just have to find the right fit for you. I know it`s daunting, but you`ve got nothing to lose by trying. We are here for you to share your experiences without judgement, but with understanding. I`ve found a really good resource on YouTube to be The Anxiety Guy https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh6HDKcLwJioBBRSprqfezA

      Take care of you and don`t be hard on yourself xx

    • 2 yrs, 8 mths ago

      You are never alone Roxy. We suffer with you and hold you in our hearts. Imagine a circle with all the souls you have reached out to. We are all holding hands and sending you love and peace and healing. You are in the middle of this circle. You feel safe and protected. You can step out of the middle of the circle and become part of the circle of healing and hold our hands whenever you want. You can also go back into the middle of the circle to feel safe and protected by all of us. Think of the healing circle whenever you feel anxious or alone. Keep reaching out.

  • 2 yrs, 8 mths ago

    I hope you find something that can help you.
    I have anxiety but I manage, I just stay really quiet until I work up the confidence.

  • 2 yrs, 8 mths ago

    Roxy, hope your therapist help you . Our family has anxiety ( more of the ocd/worry) type and not having any medical background but more of experience is I think subconsciously you maybe affected by the criticisms and putdowns of your mother. My mum is excacly the same as she came from the old generation China and she can be ruthless and verbally abusive with her words even though she denys it. Know that you are a better person and once you help/love yourself , then it will be easier. Take care .

    • 2 yrs, 8 mths ago

      I am in a relationship with 55 year old man from China who has lived in Australia for 30 years. He is like this, can be very abusive and mean with his words. Criticises me a lot and put downs. Questions my decisions and gives me unwanted ( unhelpful) advice. This is emotional abuse. My mother was like this and it does lead to anxiety disorders and PTSD. I hope your hypnotherapist is properly trained and registered with a background in psychology or psychiatry. There are a lot of dodgy practioners out there with very little training and experience that could make your situation worse. I would check with your GP that they are properly accredited. Good luck.

  • 2 yrs, 8 mths ago

    Sending lots of positive thoughts your way. Taking the first step to seek help is such an important path to recovery. I have suffered anxiety, depression and panic attacks from the age of 15 and I’m now 64.

    Keep us posted and know you are definitely not alone Xxx

  • 2 yrs, 8 mths ago

    Thank you lovelies. I’m going to see a hypnotherapist next month. Just hate having to live this way..

    • 2 yrs, 7 mths ago

      There IS help available & plenty of support here on the forum. I`m following this thread & I wish you well, Roxybabe! Just keep your head above water & update us with how you`re going!

      ❤️

  • 2 yrs, 8 mths ago

    I was have anxiety attacks so I went to see a GP. She gave me a referral to a Psychologist. She said you either have to get some coping tips from the Psychologist or go onto medication.
    Medication wasn’t my solution because I like to be in control of my actions.
    Making an appointment with a Psychologist was enough to cause anxiety but I went along so I could challenge my fear.
    I was surprised to learn that all my anxiety was in my mind. It is like you are making up stories in your mind that cause you stress. A “what if” moment that causes fear.
    So I follow the guided stories that I was taught (visualisation). They are a little like guided meditation. You are “in the moment” whilst you picture the story being told either by yourself or someone else.
    My exercise is to follow a leave that had fallen into a rippling slow moving stream. I listen & feel to my surroundings: the scent of the bushland; the sound of the water & wildlife; the sun & sky.
    This may be your 1st step before given social challenges.
    Good luck. Keep us posted.

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