Treatment For Social Anxiety?

[dean210]

I am a 37 yr old male who has suffered with social anxiety and low self esteem for most of my life and am now finally determined to treat it. I get very nervous in any social situation, meeting friends, shopping, sometimes even going to work. I will make up any excuse to avoid social situations if possible. As a result, I’ve never married and have few friends. My symptoms are always the same: sweating, pounding heart, and trembling, upset stomach leading to diarrhea. It's getting worse and I'm beginning to feel some anxiousness almost all the time. I bought several self help books and I'm currently taking St. John's Wort (one month now) but haven't noticed any real improvement. I've never talked to a doctor about this; in fact I haven't been to a doctor in 10 years also due to fears and anxiety. Would a doctor suggest therapy or medication (or both)? I'm concerned about side effects of antidepressants but if they are effective, I'd like to try. What level of recovery can treatment expect to bring?

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

You can expect a substantial, and maybe complete recovery if you find yourself a good therapist and supplement the therapy with some anxiety medications...you should see a psychiatrist for the combination of therapy and medication.

[obaby]

I just want you to know that you are not alone. I have suffered from anxity off and on for the last 8 years, at one point it was so bad that I couldnt even leave the porch to check the mail. I have been afrade to see a doctor and all that, but I finally did and got a little counseling and it helped alot. I also read a book (im not sure if i can post the name on here, im new) and that to helped so much I find myself now taking it w/ me on the days I feel anxoius. Please just remember your not alone, I know when I found out how common this was I felt alot better..

[amber66]

Hi Dean. Definitely visit your doctor and tell him how you feel, how this has affected your whole life and how it seems to be getting worse. I am 37 also and have the same problems. I too have never married because of it, have no friends and eventually it became so bad that I couldn't even work anymore. My doctor prescribed anti-depressants and eventually my name came up for CBT on the waiting list he put me on(I am in the UK).

Be careful when it comes to anti-depressants - decide for yourself if you really need them. There is no point in taking them if you are depressed because of your social phobia and not social phobic because of your depression, if you understand what I'm saying. They may help short term to give you a bit of a break from how you feel about everything and allow you to work on the real problems, but they will not cure your social phobia alone. CBT has helped a lot of people make some positive progress and I suggest you take steps now before it gets so bad you feel beyond help. It can get like that sometimes, believe me.

[paintby#]

I must say I feel somewhat relieved that I am not alone in this warped head trip warfare.
I am a 25 yr old -woman- suffering through this, and it just seems to get worse as time goes on.
I have always been known to be an "extra sensitive" individual growing up, but did not suffer through this severe anxiety until my mid- teens. It started when I began to date and the thought of having to expose my feelings in such a structured "on the spot" way; in which dinner and then possible intimacy, scared me to the point of throwing up every time on every date.
I would have a list of excuses and grew tiresome and embarrassed, nevertheless having a growing sense of  overwhelming self hatred. It got to the point where I literally hid in my house before a "date" and pretended like I wasn't home.
I have had two four year relationships since but began to relate with those who were troubled and unhealthy, therefore setting my boundaries very low so I wouldn't  have to face my demons in the toilet bowl.
It has escalated in the sense in which social situations I get sick ; like bars for example.

I am seeing a therapist and Psychologist for not only this problem but for having a troubled past. The only thing that has helped me to have a somewhat enjoyable social life is KLONOPIN.

A few things I feel are important...
-trusting oneself enough to  trust instincts/decisions in any potential situation.
-Going at your own pace  to base a solid platform of trust with a person.
-honest communication, while not being so hung up on what the other person potentially thinks.
-Having a sense of self worth.

It is a long arduous battle, and therefore takes time to sort through all the layers...
Hope to all.