[GenCat]

I've been battling with social anxiety for over 5 years, and I'm only 18. I'm not like anyone else I've met that's my age. I don't go out to parties, don't do any activities with others my age, I'm not in a relationship, and I don't have any close friends, except one. I started college in the fall, and I seriously thought about not going to college because I didn't want to meet new people and do new things. I get nervous every time I drive. I've never gone through drive-thrus, nor have I went to a grocery store by myself. I hate myself because I can't do anything normal people can. When I'm in a public place I just feel like everyone's starring at me, judging me and making fun of me. Even in therapy I get so nervous before and all during the appointment; so nervous I vomit and can't eat for days. My anxiety has taken over my life and I have no hope for the future. I just want to be my old self again.

I'm sorry it's taking so much time. Try to hang on... there's a very good chance things will get better.

[H3rmit]

Anxiety can be overcome. It took me a long time. Is your therapy focusing on this issue?

[GenCat]

Originally Posted by H3rmit

Anxiety can be overcome. It took me a long time. Is your therapy focusing on this issue?

Yes, currently we are focusing on my anxiety and depression. I'm currently not prescribed any anxiety and or depression medications but that may change within the next month. We have tried addressing my negative thoughts with positive ones but that's slow progress. (Actually doing something new if you read my most recent post)

Thanks for the response!

[not quite right]

I empathize with your situation. Mine started at 8 and I'm 36 & still struggle every day. If I can say anything that is positive, you are not alone. We just haven't met because we're both too afraid to leave. I find so much comfort in that fact that I'm messed up, but, so are alot of interesting people. It is what it is. I hope you are well on your way & hope peace is in your future

[uchiha]

Hang in there. I have been battling anxiety for a year now. I know that pales in comparison to the number of years you have been suffering with it, but I truly believe it is possible to overcome. I have made significant improvements and I know you can too.

[Neptune83]

I'm sorry you're going through this, it's awful. I was a lot like yourself at 18, I didn't socialise, didn't party, never really went anywhere and definitely not alone. You're incredibly brave though, going to college is a big deal for most people, but especially for those who feel this kind of anxiety. You really should give yourself credit for this. You shouldn't hate yourself because its not your fault. You never asked to feel this way. And I would imagine you'd do anything not to feel this way.
When you're out, nobody is laughing at you. People don't stare, we just think they do because of the anxiety. People just look, but they look at everyone around them because that's a normal thing for people to do. You do it too, or you'd not notice that someone else may be looking at you too. We all face embarrassing situations at times, it's just part of life and they very rarely last long. I felt incredibly embarrassed yesterday when I got stuck in a walk through ticket machine at our train station. It just closed on me!! I actually have bruises up my arms where it squeezed so hard. The guy working there just looked at me like I was stupid so I had a go at him lol there were two people (out of a very busy station) who actually did look and laugh, I threw them the filthiest look I could. It was highly embarrassing, but it lasted not even five minutes and guess what? Today I can laugh at myself. Don't worry about what anyone else thinks

[SomeoneToTrust]

Hello GenCat. Please don't hate your self for something that is not your fault. I'm not very different from you; I can't socialize with others, I don't go to parties or social gatherings, I can't talk to others well, people push me around but I can't talk to people's face. I am already done with my graduation but my undergrad life didn't go well. I couldn't mix up with others whereas my fellow class mates spent wonderful undergrad life, they have lots of friends, they used to meet up in campus regularly to chat, they used to have their breakfast or lunch together, they visited different places together but I did nothing but sit alone in a corner of the class and study, though my result is not great due to my anxiety and depression. Its not like I haven't tried to be like the regular undergrad students but I failed to do that because I was depressed, anxious and also because of my introvert characteristics and shyness I was kind of rejected by most of them. And I'm still struggling but I haven't given up yet. I've heard that psycho therapy works well though I haven't tried them. I hope you will overcome one day.