Social Phobia? - Phobias Message Board

dd annie · 01-17-2005, 05:29 PM

I was doing some research, trying to learn about mental health. I came across social phobia and noticed that I have most of the symptoms of it. I fear going out by myself, I am scared of talking to strangers even people at the video store, I am even afraid of my family get togethers, to talking to people I have not seen much or do not know. I am scared of answering the phones. When I do go out to meet with people, I get severe headaches, I studder, my mind goes blank, and I tremble. Now, I want to know, how do you really know if you have a problem, and how do you treat it? Are there any natural ways to over come this? My research has not gone well, as it seems like websites only want to sell you something.

Annie

kerry1 · 01-17-2005, 07:04 PM

I think the difference is degree. Sometimes social phobia is "situational" - you might be uncomfortable with strangers, but not with friends. So on and so forth. Do you feel really bad about your social skills? If so, you might want to talk to a professional. If shyness is severe, sometimes anti-depressants can treat it really well.

*music23* · 01-17-2005, 10:12 PM

From what you described, it sounds like you do have a pretty significant problem. Also there are a whole bunch of conditions that have similar names and symptoms, so you might want to look at a whole bunch of them... there's social phobia, social anxiety disorder, agoraphobia, and then probably a whole bunch of other things relating to phobias... xenophobia is the fear of foreigners etc... there's a lot of social stuff. Schizoid personality disorder wouldn't apply in your case; they don't like social things and stay as secluded as possible, but there's no anxiety.
So I would look into all of the social anxiety stuff... google it or whatever... there's a bunch of conditions. A professional of course knows best, but it's important to familiarize yourself with this stuff as well!
Kristina

dd annie · 01-18-2005, 08:08 PM

Thank you for replying to my post. It feels good to know that some people out there have the same problem. Anyways, I bought a book on overcoming shyness and social phobia.

Annie

LoriGymnast · 02-02-2005, 07:17 AM

Hello hbannie,
My 17 year old son suffers from shyness and some social phobia also. What book did you buy and have you read any of it yet? If so what do you think of the book, is it answering some of your questions and is it helping you at all? I wish you all the best and Jesus can help you if you trust in Him and believe! God has you here for a reason and it takes all different kinds of personalities to make the world a better place. Just because one person has the gift of gab, if everyone did it would be boring and we would get on each others nerves. Try to love yourself first and others will like or love you too. Try your best not to think so much before hand about dealing with people, just go along and relax and be yourself and conversation will come easier. I hope this helps.