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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by ciaolavida on July 16, 2006, at 17:38:34
I've been diagnosed with severe social phobia, which is being treated. The thing is, even with the anxiety nearly gone, I still don't want to be around people... but I do. I dream about having close relationships and good friends, but I want to avoid people. So I guess my question is is that even treatable or am I just an extremely lonely introverted reject?
Posted by Phil on July 16, 2006, at 19:02:12
In reply to weird part of social phobia, posted by ciaolavida on July 16, 2006, at 17:38:34
Sounds like SSRI apathy.
Posted by ciaolavida on July 16, 2006, at 19:30:53
In reply to Re: weird part of social phobia » ciaolavida, posted by Phil on July 16, 2006, at 19:02:12
Which I assume is the result of an SSRI? I'm not on one... I'm being treated with clonazepam due to bipolar. And unfortunately I was like this before I was ever treated.
Posted by TexasChic on July 16, 2006, at 19:44:49
In reply to weird part of social phobia, posted by ciaolavida on July 16, 2006, at 17:38:34
I think its normal to feel that way. I think fear of socializing makes staying by yourself look alot more appealing than being around people. Its easier.
From my experience the best way to overcome social anxiety is through practice, or gradual exposure. If you're being treated for social phobia, aren't they advising you on this sort of thing? I don't think I'm understanding how wanting to avoid people is any different from social phobia itself.
-T
Posted by wishingstar on July 16, 2006, at 19:54:10
In reply to weird part of social phobia, posted by ciaolavida on July 16, 2006, at 17:38:34
I dont have social phobia, but I feel the same way. I truly want close relationships, but I just dont want to be around people. It's a catch-22 that I just cant talk myself out of. I only mentioned this to say that you're not alone in feeling this way. Should I ever figure it out, I'll let you know. Good luck.
Posted by Phillipa on July 16, 2006, at 22:07:50
In reply to Re: weird part of social phobia » ciaolavida, posted by wishingstar on July 16, 2006, at 19:54:10
Part of the anxiety spectrum. Agoraphobia fear of the market place. Google it. Love Phillipa
Posted by Michael83 on July 16, 2006, at 23:21:03
In reply to weird part of social phobia, posted by ciaolavida on July 16, 2006, at 17:38:34
I feel the exact same way.
I would love to have someone close to me, but in reality, I don't enjoy being in too many social situations. I'd like to have the "connection" but just not have to go through with the "going out" social-like interaction.
Posted by ciaolavida on July 17, 2006, at 10:54:57
In reply to Re: weird part of social phobia » ciaolavida, posted by Michael83 on July 16, 2006, at 23:21:03
So what do we do about it? Nothing?
Posted by Michael83 on July 17, 2006, at 21:20:38
In reply to Re: weird part of social phobia » Michael83, posted by ciaolavida on July 17, 2006, at 10:54:57
As much as I hate going out and doing social things, I just keep the hope that there is someone out there that will like me and make me feel invited, which will then inspire me to want to go out and do things with them.
There is a song called "Liberation" by the Pet Shop Boys, one of the verses says..
"To free in me
The trust, I never dared
I always thought the risk too great
But suddenly, I don't hesitate, so...Take my hand,
Don't think of complications
Now, right now,
Your love is liberation."This sums up exactly what I feel and exactly what I'm hoping for, word for word.
There must be a girl out there that will first open her hand to me and defeat the fears I have about social situations.
I can imagine just wanting to go out, and do anything. Not scared or anything. Not trying to "win" anyone over. Just knowing that they want to be with me just as much as I want to be with them.
What do we do? Be patient I guess.
This is the end of the thread.
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