[shortandcute]

I just picked up a book from the library about social phobia. I thought that's exactly what it was about. It turns out that the author believes that there is no such thing as social phobia, and that people who are just normally "shy" are being falsely diagnosed. But, in therapy, they are very adament that social anxiety is not the same as just being shy! And I can vouch for that because I have social phobia. THAT MAKES ME SO MAD!!!!!

It's kind of like the people who think that clinical depression is the same as just feeling sad, or being hormonal, or grieving. I guess it really bothers me because it took me a long time to be able to face my mental illness!

GRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!

[Leed]

You'd be surprised at what gets published these days! Anyone can write a book, whether they know the facts or not.

I bet I could write a book about car engines -- and I don't know a DARN THING about them. LOL And I could probably get it published too, just because I'm female -- how many females have written a book about car engines? See? I'd be marketable!

You just can't believe everything you read, that's for sure.

Take care, and try not to let it get you too upset. The author obviously is an idiot. God bless and please take care. Hugs, Lee

[Perna]

Sorry, Leed, it's already been written by a woman: The Woman's Fix It Car Care Book: Secrets Women Should Know About Their Cars: Karen Valenti: 9781886284456: Amazon.com: Books

I'm glad it's at the library, S&C, and not something you bought thinking it would help you! I am shy but it would never occur to me that I had social phobia. I guess I could conceivably see them on a continuum but still, a phobia is not just a character trait gone wronger.

[kaliope]

i know what you are saying shortandcute. it has taken a long time for me to accept i have something wrong with my brain chemistry and i need meds. years of trying to get better other ways with no success, now on meds and doing much better and i see a temporary t who totally knocks my diagnosis and meds. its hard to hear when my life finally makes sense.

[AAAAA]

It is frustrating. You reach out for help and get slapped in the face. There should be some sort of disclaimer on the book so you know what you're getting yourself into. I am actually quite jealous of these people that think it takes a little green tea, run in the park, and a chat with yourself in the mirror and you're cured.

[Cocosurviving]

The author is an idiot.

[Lovejack]

Originally Posted by shortandcute

I just picked up a book from the library about social phobia. I thought that's exactly what it was about. It turns out that the author believes that there is no such thing as social phobia, and that people who are just normally "shy" are being falsely diagnosed. But, in therapy, they are very adament that social anxiety is not the same as just being shy! And I can vouch for that because I have social phobia. THAT MAKES ME SO MAD!!!!!

It's kind of like the people who think that clinical depression is the same as just feeling sad, or being hormonal, or grieving. I guess it really bothers me because it took me a long time to be able to face my mental illness!

GRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!

It is sooo angering and disheartening to see, hear, read what "experts" spread. It's no wonder that the general public doesn't understand what some of us go through. Have a well-meaning relative who says my anxiety/panic is the devil working in me.

[shortandcute]

Originally Posted by Lovejack

It is sooo angering and disheartening to see, hear, read what "experts" spread. It's no wonder that the general public doesn't understand what some of us go through. Have a well-meaning relative who says my anxiety/panic is the devil working in me.

Oh, I've had the same thing said to me!