Lost hope on curing myself
I have been suffering from social and general anxiety since I was about 10 or 11 years old. At the time, I didn't think it was too much of a big deal because I expected to grow out of it. So I left it and left it and now I am 24 and I still get extreme anxiety. In fact, it may have even gotten worse as I struggle to talk in groups (sometimes even small groups) and my voice starts to shake. I'm even getting anxious thinking about past events that triggered it. I've lost hope, I can't afford therapy, I've tried exposing myself to scenarios which makes me anxious, I end up doing something awkward or something else goes wrong which then makes me feel awful and in turn the anxiety gets worse. It's an endless cycle.
Is this what my life is going to be like until I die? Please help me.
@diligentShade426
Boosting! <3
I have social anxiety too. But I started going to a YA Bible study, and that eventually helped a lot <3
Thanks. Doing more social activities are a good idea. Although I should probably ease into it.
Maybe start with an event that doesn’t require interaction? Like a movie in the park event, that kinda thing, where you’re with people but not required to interact?
I go to the gym quite often, but mostly keep to myself. A movie is a good idea as it somewhat involves being around a lot of people without actually speaking to them. Thanks for your suggestion
I try this method because of my laziness or something else I can't make it happen for a 2 time.
I try this method because of my laziness or something else I can't make it happen for a 2 time.
I tried several methods but couldn't make any changes
@diligentShade426 aww I'm sorry you struggle with anxiety so !much, bless you 🙁 you've suffered with it for so long, but it doesn't have to be forever💖 putting yourself in situations that cause anxiety can help, but don't push yourself to much or you might make things worse. Perhaps instead learn your triggers and fears and learn to be more comfortable in situations that feel safe for you 💗 perhaps switching up meds can help 💖 gives you a giant tiny hug 💗 never give up on hope 💖
Thanks for your support tiny. I am currently not on meds. In fact, I don't think I've spoken to anyone about my problems, just suffered through it in silence even though everyone in my life can probably figure out I have social anxiety. I do want to seek professional help one day but the thing with SAD is that it makes it very hard to do this. It's like being tortured in a sound proof room where you can't cry out for help
@diligentShade426 yeah I understand that, do everything in your own time💖 and remember we are all here for you 💗
Hi! I am not sure if this is allowed here, but it doesn’t hurt to try. I am a starting (certified) Rapid Transformational Therapy practitioner. I am looking for practice and testimonials. Please reach out to me if you are interested. I think I can really help you.
Thank you all so much for your support and advice. I will take them all to heart! It really means a lot to me! I was contemplating on whether or not I should've posted this as I am very insecure about my condition, but this is the first step to getting cured.
I have not lost all hope yet. I will keep trying to provide the life I've always wanted to live for myself. I might keep track of my progress here. Thanks again everyone!
You absolutely should share! We love you, we care about you, and we’re here to listen <3
Hi friend, I just wanted to share that I had a similar experience. I was very quiet growing up. I remember having to talk in front of a class in high school and my whole body and voice shook because of nerves, I broke out in sweat and flushed bright red when I got in front of people.
To answer your question, no, it does have to be like for your whole life. When I went to college I got a job where I had to present at a meeting for about 10 minutes every week to my coworkers. I had to stand in front of a dozen people and talk through slides. They were all very nice and everyone presented one at a time. Very quickly I became comfortable with being able to speak in front of people.
In my adult life I've given hours long talks in front of hundreds of people. I've tought multi-day, 8-hour-per-day classes to customers. I now enjoy speaking and sharing ideas that I find interesting. I found that if I really enjoy the material, it mostly feels like I am sharing some cool information with a friend. It feels rewarding.
So, my friend, don't by any means feel like defeating this challenge is hopeless. It's an anxiety that you can overcome and a skill you can develope, if you wish to. I think finding a group of kind people you can share with often is a good way to start, like a book club, for example. And practice presentations as much as you can before you give them.
I'll say also, that while speaking in front of people was extremely challenging for me when I was younger, I never got super mad or sad at myself. Even though I was a wreck speaking in front of people I still would just do it, knowing I would be flushed and shaking. I'd just try to do the best I could and then move on to the next thing. I think that kind of mindset helps too.
I hope that helps. Wishing you happiness.
Thank you for this, Clemete! The problem with me is I would try and expose myself to social situations as suggested by so many people, then I would do something embarrassing, then this would fester in my mind again and again which makes my anxieties even worse. So it just reinforces it and makes it stronger. I too would be forced to give presentations. And now at work I'm forced to speak to small groups of people and I would often make blunders and have panic attacks during the meetings. This just made my confidence even worse and that's what is so alarming to me, that the remedy that is being suggested to so many people and it working for so many people is somehow not working for me, like I've become immune to it and theres no hope.
Although, you did mention having the right mindset and not letting these embarrassing moments get to you. Perhaps this is something I should focus on first before giving myself herculean tasks of speaking to groups. I feel like I'm somewhat ok with speaking one on one but it's suddenly when there's a group where my brain convinces itself it's a monstrous entity.