Feeling misunderstood
Hi all,
I sometimes have trouble explaining social anxiety/social phobia disorder to friends who mean well but at often uneducated about it. I've never had a romantic relationship, and friends often say things like "you'll meet a nice guy who will make you comfortable" and I'm like um no I actually need psychiatric meds. These types of comments are super invalidating. Even other people with mental health stuff tall about how their family, hisband, etc helped them through depression, bit I'm like "I can't even get a husband because of social phobia... Or they mention having anxiety but when I talk about social anxiety they say " well I grew out of my shyness... Ughh"
@Daydreamer47 Hi there I'm sorry to hear you are feeling this way, and it must be quite frustrating to feel that way when people say things like that. Of course if you would like to talk to any of us, especially to just vent, we are all here you. And feel free to send me a message anytime.
I really hope that you are able to find the help you deserve especially relating to your anxiety. And if you haven't had a chance already maybe checking out some of the self help guides and mindfulness things we have on the site might be of some use?
Take care
@Daydreamer47 Exactly! Somtimes friends and family members who haven't experenced what you have gone through are unable to understand. Often times they end up saying things that can leave us feeling hurt and discouraged because we feel misunderstood.
@Daydreamer47 yeah, I don't think they are understanding it right. The truth is sometimes it takes time for people to truely understand. They may have to experience it for themselves or see someone else go through it. Even though they may know what depression and anxiety is, because it is apart of everyone's life, they may only understand it as something that heightens a little for tge average person not understanding how bad it could be (and how serious).
This does make people with these type of issues feel alone. Even though it is frustrating just keep explaining it the best you can or even try having them watch a video or documentary about it with you if they are opened to it.