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Social anxiety problems?
I think I may have an anxiety problem that is getting worse with age. Ever since I was young, I've been kind of averse to really crowded places. I'm a 26 year old female, the oldest of two kids. I hate shopping because I can't stand the crowds and I feel like people are watching me. I hate going to clubs and really crowded bars because I just cannot deal with all the people and the noise. I begin to feel very agitated like I just want to leave and go somewhere quiet and alone.
I hate any type of attention except from my boyfriend. I can't stand when people sing to me on my birthday, I get incredibly embarrassed and feel so awkward. I am dreading my wedding day because I so despise being the center of attention. I hate getting gifts because I hate opening them in front of people, even family members.
More and more, whenever I have to go to some kind of social function, I will mysteriously begin to feel ill in some way. I live close to NYC, and we went into the city a few weekends ago and by the night's end I was so ill that I threw up. I hate cities and I feel like I never want to leave the suburbs.
I'm a pretty clever and intelligent girl and I have a really good sense of humor. I don't know why I am so afraid of social interaction. It's gotten much worse since I left all my friends and family in Virginia and only really hang out with my boyfriend and all of his friends, guys and girls, here in New Jersey. They've all known each other forever and I often feel like an outsider even though they are all very warm and accepting.
I know this behavior isn't normal and I try to control it as best I can for my boyfriend's sake, but I have many OCD tendencies and this anxiety is just getting out of control. I know I'm not alone in this, so I'm wondering if any of you out there have this problem and if you have benefited from medication? I just don't want to continue to get worse and ostracize people. Sorry this was so long!
I hate any type of attention except from my boyfriend. I can't stand when people sing to me on my birthday, I get incredibly embarrassed and feel so awkward. I am dreading my wedding day because I so despise being the center of attention. I hate getting gifts because I hate opening them in front of people, even family members.
More and more, whenever I have to go to some kind of social function, I will mysteriously begin to feel ill in some way. I live close to NYC, and we went into the city a few weekends ago and by the night's end I was so ill that I threw up. I hate cities and I feel like I never want to leave the suburbs.
I'm a pretty clever and intelligent girl and I have a really good sense of humor. I don't know why I am so afraid of social interaction. It's gotten much worse since I left all my friends and family in Virginia and only really hang out with my boyfriend and all of his friends, guys and girls, here in New Jersey. They've all known each other forever and I often feel like an outsider even though they are all very warm and accepting.
I know this behavior isn't normal and I try to control it as best I can for my boyfriend's sake, but I have many OCD tendencies and this anxiety is just getting out of control. I know I'm not alone in this, so I'm wondering if any of you out there have this problem and if you have benefited from medication? I just don't want to continue to get worse and ostracize people. Sorry this was so long!
Do you think it's normal?
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Im the same. Im a 27 yo guy and I have had that problem since my early teens some time.
Personally, I am trying to overcome my issues with various methods including meditation, tai chi, it all helps.
Personally, I think I can overcome my problem bit by bit without medication, but you may well need it, so why not try it?
I get the same feeling whenever I am invited out anywhere. It's hard to put into words so no-body else seems to understand...I've lost pretty much all my friends due to this.
I've never taken any medication though so I can't answer that for you, I just thought maybe you would get some comfort knowing you're not the only one.
have a nice day
Mme, my boyfriend does know about it. I'm pretty open with him and he tries to be understanding and he'll leave a bar with me whenever I want to, but as you know, it's difficult to comprehend if you haven't experienced it. Plus he's a very social person. Luckily, he isn't into the club scene either but now and then we'll humor our friends (most of whom are single and thus more into the club scene than we are) and go out.
Chunkybongo, I know EXACTLY what you mean. When time seems to stand still and your body just freezes. I can't hear anything and my peripheral vision goes all cloudy. I get this intense feeling that everyone is staring at me and when I look at them, I can't understand why it seems like they aren't looking at me.
Fred, I'm the same way in that a few drinks usually opens me up a little. But most of the time I'm feeling slightly nauseous...or I at least have the worry that I WILL feel sick as the night goes on. THEN I start to worry that if I drink it will just make the sickness worse and I can't stop thinking about that and evaluating whether or not I'm starting to feel nauseous. Obviously it's all in my head but I just cannot help it.
Thanks again everyone!