[Millitoria]

Hi,

I am new here and have been lurking/reading stuff since I joined.

I have really bad social anxiety (amongst other things) and it's making it hard to get involved. I went on the chat and met some lovely people and I've made a couple of posts but I'm really struggling.

I really want to get the most out this forum, hopefully make some friends and find/give support. But I am finding it really hard to just get stuck in. There are threads I've read where I think it would be nice to post and offer some support but then I get so scared that I will say the wrong thing/upset somebody/they don't want support from me who they don't know that I end up not doing it.

Then I feel really selfish for wanting to post and ask for support because I haven't been offering any. I know the only way I will get to meet people and feel part of things is to get involved but I keep panicking at the thought. I am just so scared of doing it wrong and I don't know how to get started really.

Has anyone else had the same problem? How did you get over it? Empathy or advice would be really appreciated. I just feel so lost and scared right now and I hate that it's me and my anxiety which is making it hard for me to do anything about that.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Milli
x

[avlady]

MillixWelcome!!!!!People on this site are here to help, I know Ive been here since Jan 1 2013 and am already a Poobah, I never thought i'd do that. What I did was just post and answer or contribute to what is being said on the forums. There is probably lot you can contribute to this society, I didn't even know I could either. I just jumped right in and got positive responses, and people wanted to befriend me right way. Anxiety is a problem alot of us here deal with, so you can express your anxiety, or any other disorder or even gift you have, it doesn't have to be anything bad, you can answer by responding to the posts and adding your 2 cents, not that it has to be bad, but just even some compliments.

[Leed]

Hi dear Milli ~ PLEASE don't be afraid of doing "anything wrong." We're not here to judge anyone, and all of us were new at one time. WE surely understand.

There is no right or wrong way to do things, my friend. Just jump in and spill your guts. LOL That's what we did. When most of us came here, we were hurting BAD, and we needed someone to listen! We surely weren't in any shape to OFFER support -- not in the beginning! We were all pretty sick when we first got here. So don't worry about trying to help right now. Just tell us about yourself, and we'll try to help YOU. Then later, when you feel better, you can offer support, okay?

I'm glad you found us, my friend. I hope you'll stay and that we'll hear more from you. God bless you and please take care. Big hugs, Lee

[Millitoria]

Hi,

Sorry for the late reply. Things got rather on top of me so I haven't been around for the last week.

Just wanted to stop by and say thank you for your responses. I am going to have a read of some of the other threads here and try to find the courage to post something.

Milli

x

I have the EXACT same problem. So often in life I always say the wrong thing at the wrong time, which has led me to being very quiet and reserved, not wanting to say anything that might rock the boat or get me in trouble or hurt someone's feelings (even if I didn't mean it to). To deal with this i always double check what i write to make everything came out the right way. most of the time everything I write gets erased, but occasionally I will post something. Little by little I get more confident about what I'm posting, and you will too! Thank you for starting this thread, it helps to know I'm not alone in this <3

[Millitoria]

Thank you so much for your reply Horsegirl,

It is a huge relief to know that I'm not alone. I also tend to type out posts or responses, then delete them several times because I am worried they aren't quite right, helpful or what I wanted to say.

I've managed a few posts and responses now, but the anxiety levels are still high. I am sure I will get there with time. Who knows, maybe we can help each other out a bit.

Milli

x

[ajonesiii]

I have the same problem I have been coming here for months but only have a handful of posts, I do get help by reading other peoples posts and when the time comes for me that I can be comfortable I post something maybe as time goes on that will become more often give yourself time, I understand it taking a while to feel comfortable enough with yourself and your opinions, I guess thats part of the anxiety issue. Welcome and good luck!