Should I see a psychiatrist?

[alexithymia07]

Hello..I am an 18 year old female. Me & my family just moved to another state this year. All my life I have been really shy, people tell me I'm quiet. Up until a few days ago, I just thought it was my shyness and bad social skills. In social situations, I feel I have to watch what I say and do all the time, afraid I might say something stupid. In class, if a teacher asks me a question or says something to me, I'll blush after I say something. Just sitting at my desk it's hard to focus sometimes because of the people sitting behind me. I'm terrified of giving speeches, I've had to do it before and my voice and hands shook the whole time. I have no friends here, but I've been on a couple dates and I felt nauseous and sometimes couldn't sleep the days leading up to it. I felt like I had to watch what I said the whole time. Then afterwards I'll analyze everything I said and just feel stupid for thinking about it. Sometimes I stumble over sentences when I'm trying to explain something. I'm too scared to turn in a job application, let alone to a job interview. I avoid talking on or answering the phone as much as I can. I just feel like I'll be alone the rest of my life if I don't get help, but I'm scared about seeing a psychiatrist, in fear he'll just laugh and tell me nothing's wrong with me. Or I'll stumble over my words trying to explain what's wrong with me. I just want some confirmation from someone before I make an appointment.

[AJC]

I think you should avoid a psychiatrist. You sound like a fairly normal 18 year old. I would suggest a psychologist or a counselor, but no brain drugs.


Also:
Look up "Gwen Olsen" on youtube or google video.

[Toxicologist420]

For now, I would see a pyscologist. No need for medications for minor social anxeity. It's actually pretty common to get nervous before any social event. If the pyscologist can't help you with it, or it gets worse, see a pyschiatrist.

[paul1]

i am the same and went to see a psychiatrist they said i had aspergers syndrome and now i get on with the rest of my life now i found out what yhe problem was. sometimes i take medication for the problem, hope this helps.

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

You should see a psychiatrist, he or she will not laugh, you have a very common form of anxiety,...social anxiety, that can and should be treated....read up on it before you go.

[alexithymia07]

I keep forgetting things to say, sorry. But I've been suffering from depression as well, (I've never been that happy for the past 5 years) and sometimes suicidal thoughts, because I'm so frustrated with myself and my life.

[alexithymia07]

I would also like to say that I find myself making up excuses alot of times to get out of social situations.

[echelon]

You sound normal to me - just lacking in confidence. You could have Social Phobia which can be helped by taking one of the SSRI antidepressants.

Confidence in social situations does tend to increase with age, so it will get better as you get older. You're probably worrying too much about what others think of you - these people won't be viewing you critically - most people are open and friendly and you probably come across as being just fine.

Try to bite the bullet and continue in the social situations as best you can. Don't push yourself too much, but don't become a recluse or it'll turn into a really bad phobia. Try to stick with situations where you feel comfortable at first, then try to extend yourself. Confidence will come with time. I used to feel the way you do, but having a job helped me to overcome my shyness and lack of confidence pretty quickly.

Give yourself time to adjust to your new environment and don't be too hard on yourself.

If things don't improve then see your doctor about some medication which could help you, but don't be too quick to label yourself with having some kind of mental disorder!