Anxiety with Cigarettes and Drugs?

[Anonymous]

I haven't met up with my friend for a year since I was very busy with my studies. Within that time I didn't socialise much as I was consumed by studying and it has affected my mentally.

Today I saw her and met up with another old friend, and they started smoking. At that moment I developed really bad anxiety, probably because I haven't been in that environment for a while.

They were very nice to me though...

I know there's nothing wrong but I can't help it.
Should I hang out with her more to overcome that anxiety?

[Oram52]

Is her smoking triggering your anxiety is that what you mean? Also what do you mean studying affecting you mentally.

If you just mean general social anxiety because you were isolated. Then you don't have to hang out with just your friends. Go out and generally talk to people so you can become accustomed to dealing with people. If you don't like your friend smoking you can excuse yourself until she is done smoking.

[Asker]

im not sure if it's the smoking in particular because my dad and my boyfriend smoke and it never triggered anything with me.

I studied so much every single day that I had no social life. And I think it is social anxiety if I'm honest. So I'll hang out with her more and other people?

[Oram52]

I would say its a good idea for now hang out with your smoking friends too, but don't start smoking yourself. Only way to overcome social anxiety is being comofrtable with your surrounding and people. So at first if you find it a bit challenging start slow but keep building up. Try talk to people you may find inetresting, try go to places you might be hesitant a bit, slowly you will ease into it.

[Asker]

Thank you so much!!!

[Oram52]

yw :)

[Oram52]

thanks for MHO.

[Asker]

You're welcome :)

[bcromartie]

No..