Social anxiety?
Hello,
Although I have not been formally diagnosed with social anxiety, I feel as though I suffer greatly in my daily life regarding this issue.
I can't go to new places by myself without feeling extremely dizzy and ill. This has become an increasing problematic as I try to be independent now that I'm in university, but I can't seem to go places alone. I often get lost due to feeling extremely ill and not paying attention to my surroundings.
does anyone else have similar feelings?
Hi, I have social anxiety and feelings like this too and also loads more as well. It's such a complex and misunderstood issue and effects us in so many different ways. I'm new to this site and looking for people who struggle with similar feelings as me to chat to.
What you described definitely sounds like social anxiety to me, though ofcourse I am not a doctor. I suffer from social anxiety myself and know many people on here do too. You're not alone. The self help guide on social anxiety (My path > Self help guides) is pretty helpful. I also wrote a little guide myself a while back.
The best way to treat social anxiety is CBT, Cognitive behavioral therapy. If you can, I highly suggest getting a therapist. Being here and talking to people, doing self help guides and reading up on anxiety will definitely help too, though in my opinion CBT is the best way to go. I hope you find something that works for you.
@Cheeney
Thank you for this reply! I read your guide and I found it very helpful, and it's nice to know I'm not the only person feeling this way!
i am actually scheduled to start therapy in a few weeks, which I am very nervous about but also excited :)
@littlerainbow95 Great! I understand that you feel nervous, getting in therapy is a big step. But in the end it'll be worth it.
I have severe social anxiety for as long as I can remember . Avoiding people in the street that you know pretending you have not seen them or walking the other way to avoid talking. Over analyse all situations before they happen weeks in advance . Avoiding applying for jobs due to the fear of interviews focus being on me . Wish I could have cbt therapy but too expensive
@Zoe36 Hi Zoe, I can sympathise with what your going trough so much. Social anxiety has plagued my whole life and Iv never understood why Iv been like it and why things happen till recently. Avoiding people and situations has happend my whole life and also over analysing things. I over analyse everything, everything that's made me anxious in the past plays over and over. Also playing out things that might happen in the future. Trying to workout every possible outcome for a situation before it happens.
It's so tough but with lots of help I'm finding ways to deal with and control my anxiety now. Have you had any help with your sa yet? Jake
@Jake321 Iv not had any help as far as counselling goes or cbt as its not free and with social anxiety it's hard to go and talk to somebody as that's what you fear the most.Everything you said I can relate to totally and understand where your coming from.
@Zoe36 I totally understand what you mean. The very nature of social anxiety inhibits you from accepting it, admitting to it or even more going to get help. It took me 27 years to realise Iv struggled with sa my whole life. But accepting it's there is a good and positive step and your here looking for help so give yourself allot of credit for that huge step. Iv had counciling and cbt and there very helpful. I find having someone to talk to emmensly helpful too. If you would like to chat about it and see what we can learn from each other then I would really like that and I'm here for you. I'm brilliant at catching other people's automatic negative thoughts. Just wish I was as good at catching my own!! Jake.
@Jake321 that would be great ! I find just being on this site helps me . Makes you realise your not the only one
@Zoe36 That's so true. The feeling of isolation and loniness for me was horrendous but realising your not on your own is a very good thing. You're not alone. I and lots of others are here for you.
It took me a very long time but I thought I had my sa mostly under control. This last week or so though Iv had a big setback and it's really shook me and shown me there's thinkgs I haven't learned how to deal with and its hit me hard. Iv also realised I can't do it on my own. I have friends but I cannot open upto them. They only ever see the mask I hide behind. I need someone who understands and won't judge. Sharings important to me also, I can't talk about my concerns with someone unless I can help them with theirs in return. How are you doing at the moment?
@Jake321 I'm taking each day at a time at the moment' I'm ok in my own house but when I have to go to college or an interview I start to freak out or in busy shops , I'm going to try some 5-htp supplements as Iv heard got things about it hope it works for me
@Zoe36 I think taking each day as it comes is a good thing. Hopefully that way will also calm down the thoughts of planning out scenarios way ahead too. I'm trying to control those thoughts too. What are you studying at college? Iv not heard of 5htp before. Iv just been reading about it, it has some really good reviews. I might give that a try too.
@Jake321 it's just English as I did not get and GCSEs at school because I couldn't face the exams due to social anxiety! But today I did something I'm proud of' I went out in my car alone drove to the train station went on a train to another town and did some shopping.It felt exhilarating Usually I over think everything like what if there are no spaces to park or my car breaks down etc I still had them thoughts but pushed through them. Hope tomorrow's interview I have is as positive ' one day I can be better than others , hope your doing ok
@Zoe36 Well done I'm so proud of you. You've done an incredibly tough thing today. That took a lot of determination. Give yourself a huge pat on the back. I bet non of the things you overthought about, no parking, the car breaking down and loads more actually happened? Iv decided I would like to be a listener now. This @Jake3211 is my new username as a listener so reply to me on that one or if you want to chat find me as a listener and send me a message. Hope your interview goes well. What's it for?
I have had SA for ages. In the past people would call me recluse or introverted. Not until about ten years ago did I find out what it actually is. I am in counseling now to try to deal with it but it affects almost every aspect of my life.
I hate going out where I feel people are staring at me and judging me. I feel they know what my issues are and can see through the mask I wear to hide behind.
Coming to this site has been the best thing that has happened to me since my diagnosis with all my issues. There are many people here to talk with about things and some good self-help guides too.
Just don't give up
Hi there
Speaking from experience, I understand the unpleasant feelings you are having. 
It's not okay for me to say whether you have Social Anxiety or not because I'm not a professional.
People with social anxiety share some common feelings/thoughts because we find socialising difficult. However, I like to think that there are variants of it because everyone feels/perceives things slightly differently.
Personally I think there is a reason why you are feeling this way. I don't want to make any assumptions but maybe you can think about that (e.g. Are you pushing yourself too much to be independent?)
The fact that you have not been formally diagnosed with SA does not mean that this is a small problem! You deserve to be happy like everyone else
You may find it helpful to talk to someone, online or someone you trust in real life. Going to a professional is the first choice I can think of, but you are always welcome to chat with 7cups listeners if you find everything else challenging.... or both if you want, as long as you feel comfortable talking to someone
There is a way out of this but it takes patience, courage and determination... that's why you deserve all the support you can get 
I would say YES a million times to your question. These feelings are very common, social anxiety or not.... and you are not alone in this!
Icedtea
im not sure if i have social anxiety but i can talk to people online. But when it comes to an actual phone call i freak or freeze up. And dont talk to them. I dont interact with people at all. Im very much a loner.
Hi.
I haven't been like properly diagnosed but I feel like my life is falling apart because of it. I can barely sit in class because I get so stressed I feel like I can't breathe and have to hold back tears and it's like for no reason at all. I'm struggling to get out of bed everyday ad face the world.
I don't know what to do any more.
@skiye Hi Skiye, I understand your feelings and the difficult time you are having at the moment. You are not alone, there is so much help here and people who are struggling with the same feelings as you are. There is no easy fix but with time, commitment and dedication there is a way through. If you would like to talk about it then I'm here or if you would prefer to chat send me a message as a listener and I will message you back. Jake.