college social anxiety experience

[wazzer24]

Hi i'm a 19 yr old male and have had social anxiety for as long as I can remember. It was a nightmare start for college when I broke out in cystic acne and was put on the drug accutane in december. The anxiety, skin problems, caused me to shut down socially, become depressed and avoid other people. It was a bad 8 months. Since I finished accutane things have turned around for me. The new self confidence has led me to score multiple new friends as well as a cute girlfriend. I am now extroverted from being introverted in my depressed months. Though, it has come as a shock to my system. Ive been having trouble sleeping and have had difficulties relaxing since this change. I get butterflies that make me sick to my stomach  thinking about the next date or party. When I'm around people I sometimes shake from my anxiety. My anxiety flips on and off like a switch. Will this anxiety go away with time or keep haunting me as long as I try to be social?  Can I do anything about it?

[silverberg]

Yes you can do something about it, just keep on the path your on now, GOOD FOR YOU, you are making friends and even a GF, just keep on track, what you are experiencing is no more then ANXIETY of getting ANXIETY, allow this to pass, as you get more comfortable in your new circle.  This is a classic case of , I'm feeling better, I have helped myself, But what if something happens?? tell yourself who cares, keep moving forward and if you have a mild set back, well allow it to be just that, " A MILD SET BACK" and keep going forward.

[SassyLassie]

Yes, just keep going forward, you CAN over come this. That is great that you are making friends and have a girl friend, those are all positive things. Everyone has setbacks once in awhile, when you have one, just ignore it the best you can and continue to move forward, you will find the setbacks won't bother you as much.

[Dave2436]

The longer you stay positive, the more ingrained this behavior will be. Before you know it, it will be a part of you. Certain areas might always remain a small issue, like avoiding crowds, but don't let that get you down. Many people, myself included, have a dislike of large crowds. Nothing wrong with that.

[wazzer24]

Thank you for the positive comments. I'm working through my problem but still get awkward sometimes. It really depends on my mood: some days i'm confident and happy other days quiet and frustrated. It's an interpersonal war but again, thank you, sometimes some positve feedback is all a guy needs. :)