Social Anxiety Disorder (S.A.D.)
I have social anxiety disorder, which is basically having a constant immense fear of judgment from others. Personally, my SAD is mainly based on how i look. example of a common thought I have: "everybody is watching me" having this thought often is a symptom of SAD, the feeling that eyes are constantly on you, judging everything about you.
anyone relate to this?
@s0cksz
Mine is based off the way I walk, talk, act and the way I look, Everything I do I feel judged.
~Love,Mae
@Maeeeeebae999
same mae, ty for being you <3 smile
Me. You're not the only one.
@agreeableMoon262
<3
@s0cksz anxiety is not a easy thing to learn to live with. It's very hard once your in a particular mindset like everyone's judging me. I don't leave the care home I live in our of fear, and I'm to embarrassed by the way I look, to look people in the eyes. Do you manage to go out at all??? Do you have any therapy or anyone to help with this?? Are you taking meds?? Sorry about all the questions, I just want to help you ❤ I know how crippling anxiety can be, but it's all gonna be ok ❤hugs you tightly ❤
@Tinywhisper11
I would better describe the main contributor to my SAD being the self hatred towards the way I look. I can totally relate to the not looking people in the eyes thing, I even do it with my mum though my SAD doesn't have any effect on the way I act when it's just me and her lol.
yes, I have to go to school since I am still in highschool, but I often find myself skipping classes due to both anxiety and panic attacks. whenever I skip class, instead of it being "I don't feel like going" its more of "I can't go".
my family can't afford therapy for me atm but I am seeing two social workers, one is the school social worker and the other is connected to my physician who recommended it to me. with this being said, I am yet to me officially "diagnosed" with SAD... which doesn't really matter much to me since it's just a label. I am not taking medication for SAD although I do for ADHD lol
its okay, ty for thinking of me <3
@s0cksz bless you ❤ well your doing a fantastic job at trying to push through this ❤❤ hugs you tightly ❤❤ I hope things get better for you ❤
@Tinywhisper11
Thank you <3
The way you said all this I just want someone to say these things to me 😭😭😭😭😭
Same. Even friends, I cannot relax around them, and I feel like I’m just making them uncomfortable with my anxiety. Some days it’s better, some days are worse. Oh well~ What else can I do? …
@ZinYA0938
relatableeeee
Oh yes this describes me to a tee but never knew it by this name
@Den2542
I didn't put a label to it until 2 years after I found out I had it, so I can relate
@Den2542
also, glad I could be the one to make you aware of it!
@s0cksz Hey! I am so sorry you have to deal with social Anxiety. It's not easy. I totally relate to how you feel. I have social anxiety and it makes interacting with people really difficult. There was a point in my life where I stopped approaching new people at all which impacted my life a lot. I had zero social life. But, then I took therapy and applied the skills they taught me there. Ofc, it's not a one day thing. I still sometimes struggle with it, but it has improved a lot. I feel better about myself now and my communication with others has also improved.
I highly recommend your therapy. It helps a lot. Apart from this, feel free to message me if you need to talk about it more. I am always happy to help! :)
@AskTara
already in therapy lol, having avoidance as a coping mechanism often gets in the way of seeking support unfortunately... I often find myself skipping therapy sessions due to fear of being judged, though I know that I'm not being judged its more of a feeling of "what if..."
thank you for reaching out though, I will def consider taking up ur offer of talking about it
appreciate you! <3 Smile
@s0cksz I see. Initially, it happens. But consistency is key! Therapists are the only people who you can confide too and not fear judgement. I hope you get better :)
@AskTara
working towards a better everything, people like you are the ones that give me confidence. ty Tara
@s0cksz
Yeah I always feels the scrutiny of people around me and It makes me feel so uncomfortable sometimes. But to counter it. I try to dress up and be fashionable so at least they have something positive to look at hehe.
@Jewelmoon17
you go girl,
I don't like being looked at or drawing attention to myself so its different for me <3
I feel the literal same way. I always feel like someone in looking and laughing at me in their heads. I hide myself away from everyone because of that
@Hiiamanonymous
you are not alone friend<3
While I haven't been diagnosed with SAD, I can relate a lot to what you've experienced based on some symptoms. I feel very self-conscious about myself, to the point where I constantly fidget (eg. fixing my hair or clothes every 2 minutes), attempt to avoid group discussions or social situations, and overthink scenarios where I would need to socialize. It's so hard to open up and express myself, so I end up appearing distant and reserved.
I find some relief in one-on-one conversations, but group interactions make my social anxiety worse. I also presented physical symptoms of anxiety like nausea, lightheadedness, dizziness, and body pain (stomach, neck, back).
I wish I didn't feel so uncomfortable with the presence of more than one person in a room.
@PurpleHearts7
i am also yet to be diagnosed professionally lol, I’ve been self diagnosed for about 3 yrs now tho
i encourage you to try and seek support as I didn’t for 2 yrs and the disorder only manifested leading to further issues with school, family, and overall mental health. Just know that you are not alone in your struggles friend <3
here for you purple
Thank you so much!! I'm seeking counseling for general and social society, though I find it hard to get more support beyond counseling.
You're not alone either, I'm here for you too ❤️
@PurpleHearts7
i am so gladd, 7 cups is also a great outlet to find support!!
wish the best to you purple (:
@s0cksz
That's all I feel like in public. Like I have to be aware of a 360 degree radius of myself to notice if anyone sees me, and if they do I think "they must think I look weird,dress weird,walk weird...its been a lifelong debilitation. I think "they must think it's funny I'm short for a guy.They must assume I'm out to hurt someone..
When I walk directly past someone if they dont react I think "they must not think I'm worth being friendly towards.If they smile I think " they must find some sort of amusement from me"
I know the tears are irrational and must people are just minding their own business going about their day not giving me a second thought .But those thought just won't go away...
@ariseg
i hear you ari… I feel the same way everyday, you are not alone in your struggles.
while both you and me can both acknowledge that these fears are “irrational” given that it is not a “normal” fear to experience all the time p, but that does not mean your feelings are “irrational”. Your feelings and emotions are valid ari.
also, understand how you feel entirely. We both confront the fact that all these thoughts of “they are looking at me and judging me” are in most cases not true and all in our heads, but the feeling I like to call “what if….” constantly fogs my mind causing these so called “irrational” thoughts and fears. If you ever want to talk to me about this feel free, here for you ari <3
@s0ckszh
Thanks s0ckszh! I appreciate your understanding and kindness! A lot..
The way others perceive me,cl it's a constant worry. I wish I could just not care about it..
But I decided to be honest and not lie to myself now. "I don't care" is probably is the most common lie told in the world. I decided to just admit to myself that I do care about what others think about me. I care about it very deeply..
Actually this is the first time I've ever posted on a support forum, but it's so nice to have support from someone who goes through the same issues I struggle with everyday. I would really like to talk with you more about it. I'm curious how s.a.d. manifests differently in different people. And honestly I have so little human interaction I think that that in itself would be a big help to me :)
@ariseg
as much as I would love to talk to u through pms or such, given that you are an adult and I am still a teen.... although I could make a new post and tag you in it if that still works for you..?
@s0cksz
Ah.. I would like to but.. to have a correspondence, I just couldn't discuss much personal things in a public setting.. with my s.a.d. even online interactions can be like that..Still, I appreciate you giving me the option. I wish the best for you!
same to you!! :)
