Posted by caraher on November 2, 2005, at 14:32:26
In reply to Re: social disorders? anyone know about? » Happyflower, posted by Jen Star on November 2, 2005, at 10:49:09
I *have* gone through the social anxiety treatment game (through therapy, not meds). What you describe sounds normal - it's normal to be anxious that you don't sound like a fool, to shy away from singing in front of others, etc.
The key is that you said, repeatedly, that these situations make you feel "a little bit" anxious. I think it crosses the line when you feel A LOT anxious in those situations. When you take extreme measures to avoid what should be mild social stresses to the detriment of your career. Has this anxiety ever stopped you from, say, applying for a job you want? In my case, one effect was years of not being treated for depression. Just couldn't make the phone call or blurt anything out. My social anxiety diagnosis was actually triggered by a therapist asking my wife why she was calling on my behalf rather than my doing so.
The basis of CBT treatment for this is frequent exposure to anxiety-provoking situations. Several times a day. Even if you're "normal" but have anxieties a good way to minimize their power is to find and push your limits doing some of the things already suggested. Take a public speaking course. Act in a community theater group. Don't set yourself up for failure by trying something *too* stressful, but be sure whatever you do does provoke some palpable anxiety.
poster:caraher
thread:574429
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20051025/msgs/574573.html