[PiecesOfLoveX3]

Hi,
I think that I have Social anxiety disorder. I always have trouble talking to people. All through school I always was the kid who never said a word. Not that I didn't want to I would have loved for people to start a conversation with me, but I couldn't start a conversation with them. Even when they did they would only get a short answer becuz I ouldn't think of anything. I'm scared to talk to them. I know that they are not going to bite me and I honestly do not care what people think, it's just that it has always been this way. I have no friends and whenever I want to have a relationship with a certain guy, it never works out because I feel like I can't talk to the person. They always end up bringing me around there friends and then I don't talk at all and make everyone feel awkward. It's not that I don't want to be bothered with anyone it's just that I have no clue on what to say.It's hard to explain and I have talked to my mom about going on medicine and she says I don't need it, but I feel like me not being able to talk to people is interfering with my life. I don't think she realizes how hard it is for me to start a conversation with someone. I don't have any trouble talking to my mom and dad grandma close family members, but family memebers I never see I don't even know what to say to them.I guess what I am wondering is does this sound like social anxiety disorder? and how do you go about getting it treated?
how do you even talk to a doctor about it? HOw do I get my parnets okay with me goin on medicine? I just feel like it is ruining my life and I don't know what to do about it. I have 0 friends and /i can't find new ones if I can't talk. I don't even have a job.....my last job I was made fun of I didnt have problems talikng to strangers, but I really could never say much to the people that worked with me leaving me the target to be picked on. SO i ended up being tired of it and then quiting. I haven't worked in a while because i am afraid that the same thing will happen. I just don't know what to do. Does it sound like social anxiety? Or if not what social disorder do you think I might have? Any advice or opinions would be greatly appreciated I just want to be talkative.

[BLUEDOVE]

Hi POL,
If you want to improve,get this book on
the net:"When I say no,I feel guilty." It is made to measure for your problem;it is by Manuel J.
Smith,it is out of print,but you will get it second
hand,so will be cheaper--DO make the effort to
get it,it changed my life regarding other people.
Warmest Regards,
BLUEDOVE

Originally Posted by BLUEDOVE

Hi POL,
If you want to improve,get this book on
the net:"When I say no,I feel guilty." It is made to measure for your problem;it is by Manuel J.
Smith,it is out of print,but you will get it second
hand,so will be cheaper--DO make the effort to
get it,it changed my life regarding other people.
Warmest Regards,
BLUEDOVE

wow i've never heard of that book.

thanks it may actually help me..

[OrangeMoira]

Hello! I'm sorry you're having such a tough time communicating with people and explaining it to your family. It's hard when your love ones don't realize you're dealing with painful problems.

If your scared feelings are keeping you from talking very much to people outside of the family, then it's probably a good idea to mention this to your doctor. I think you did a good job here of explaining 1) your symptoms and 2) how it's affecting your life. You could tell your doctor the same thing.

If your doctor thinks you have social anxiety, s/he might suggest that you see a therapist who would help you understand why you're afraid. You would probably learn to do exercises or exposures to help you get over your fears. If you were diagnosed with another type of anxiety, you would be more likely to be prescribed medication.

I'll bet that if your doctor thinks you need medication, then your parents will get on board with the idea. However, you may not need it to start working through this. Some people are able to work through anxiety or less-intense shyness as they get older and practice meeting people or having relationships.

It's great that you keep trying even though it's scary and you have thoughts like "I can't think of anything to say" and "I make everyone feel awkward." It could be that you're not acting as awkwardly as you think. It sounds like you're a teenager? That's a time when everyone's behavior is judged really harshly, and maybe you're judging your own socializing by a high standard.

I hope any of this helps. I'm glad you're posting here; let us know how it goes!

[elfina]

Reading your post actually brought tears to my eyes, because it felt like I was reading my own story...
I'm still struggeling with this exact same problem as you, so I might not have any advice to offer, but I just wanted to let you know that you are not alone in the world with this.
If you ever feel the need to chat about your problem with someone who is also going through this, please don't hesitate to send me a pm. I'm no professional, but maybe sharing our experiences with each other might help?
Good luck, and I hope your parents agree to medication for you!