I think I'm developing social anxiety..
I've had anxiety in general for a few years now, and I get panic attacks a few times a week. I've always heard people talk about social anxiety, and knew it never applied to me. I've always been more on the shy side, but it was never too bad. Well lately it's getting really bad and starting to affect my life. I literally have no friends and am constantly alone. It's like I've spent so much time alone I've forgotten how to talk to people. If a person talks to me in a class I get so scared that the next day I sit in a different seat or spend the rest of class analyzing every single thing I did and I start feeling like I'm going to have a panic attack. I just want to be able to talk to people and not feel alone constantly :/ I feel like everyone thinks I'm extremely rude, but really it's just scaring me so much. How can I get over this?
@Lexxx
Hey, thank you for posting this and sharing your story! I looked somethings up for you and here's what I gathered:
1.Set Goals:Short term goals that are manageable in a time limit that you can achieve. An example you could possibly use could be: When someone talked to me in class, I will sit next to them the next day.
2. Breathe Deep:This can help you when you feel a panic attack/anxiety attack coming on in a situation and hopefully can help you remain calmer and be able to "handle" the situation. (Not saying you can't handle it, it was the only word I can come up with)
3.Create an exposure hierarchy:An exposure hierarchy is a list ? akin to a ladder ? where you write down situations that cause you anxiety, in order of severity. Then you perform the easiest behavior, and keep moving up the list. (KInd of like goal setting!)
4. Remain positive:Instead of going into these situations and thinking "omg I'm going to freak" "no one likes me" or what ever you may be thinking, change that. You could think (And adjust to your situation) "I come to class everyday, and people have spoken to me. They don't seem to hate me, so I can do it again"
I hope I was able to help a bit. These are suggestions and of course you aren't obligated to do them!
