Tips and Tricks for Overcoming Social Anxiety?

[code3]

Yes, I know I could Google it I've done that nearly a hundred times. But I just feel like I need advice straight from the keyboard of someone who has experienced Social Anxiety at it's worst. I feel like it's starting to affect my marriage (although he assures me time and time again that I'm wonderful and he's very alright with my troubles)... I just feel like I'm not half the wife he deserves because sometimes the simplest of tasks that he asks of me seem daunting. I feel like he deserves someone who will go to the store for shaving cream at any time or go to lunch with him at a new place on any given day. But sometimes I just get so sick and nervous at the mention of leaving the house, especially if it involves other people or people I don't feel comfortable around. And it makes me sad that I can't do these easy things for him all the time.

[Fugue]

It's not easy. I used to have this, and still do, to some extent. You can read about a ton of theories on how to correct it, but in my experience, time and experience was the only thing that helped. I sort of grew out of it, especially after going through some severe experiences. I stopped caring what people thought, and so I stopped getting worried about how strangers saw me. I'm still evolving, though. Right now, I am very unapproachable among people I don't know, but their presence doesn't make me anxious. in fact, I tend to have a dominating presence, despite being 5'9 and 130 lbs. At least that's what it seems like to me. When I was younger, I was very passive, and sometimes got taken advantage of. After some life and death experiences, I'm guessing I developed a 500 yard stare. People probably see me as hostile, in some way. So I am still learning how to be more socially welcoming and approaching, how to make dumb small talk that appeals to upbeat people. The only time I still get what resembles social anxiety is when I'm forced to be in certain family reunions. Luckily, I have gotten away from even that.

[Tallgirl69]

Hi shot in the dark but
Worth a read www.prevention.com/.../probiotics-antidepressants

Also Google -Ted talks Lizzie Valesquez
Good luck

[code3]

Well, a slight diet change is worth a try. It couldn't hurt!
Thanks for reminding me of her speech too. I watched it a while back but I think I really needed to see it again.

[Tallgirl69]

I have started drinking kefir and just started a probiotic we shall see. Oh one more thing. When you are in a situation that brings a sense of panic, feel something, like a smooth table or anything u can find and focus on the sensation under yr fingers. It will calm you. Weird but works, and try daily gratitude to change your focus to what you do have or can do instead of what you can't do or don't have. We attract what we focus on. :)

[BellePepper]

Seek professional help. Then you can learn how to approach your difficulties in the most productive way possible.

[code3]

I can't do that without causing a severe negative impact on my career, otherwise I would have gone a couple years ago.

[BellePepper]

Then go see a naturopath or whatever off book and see if they have any suggestions.

[Lorileebaby]

I would say get yourself a friend that's a lot more social to bring you out I your shell so to speak so they bring your around and have basically practicing being out and around more

[code3]

That would help me out a lot, I've had friends that did that with me before. I just kinda have to work on that friend- making thing though... I currently have 0. I get along great with everyone at work, but it's like moving out of the "aquaintance zone" is impossible.

[Iron_Man]

To be in it a lot big crowds so you can just beat it

[code3]

I've heard of that actually working, I think it's called "floating": to immerse yourself in the cause of your anxiety and wait it out until it's better. Not sure if it works for me though, either that or I don't wait long enough.

[Iron_Man]

Give it a shot

[Transigence]

Take kung fu.