I get really bad anticipatory anxiety before I do certain social things, like get togethers, parties, stuff where I won't know everyone, or new activities, etc.
The thing is, I *want* to do these things. I want to be social. I want to connect with other people. But my anxiety and worry around it causes me to avoid. The urge to avoid, is really strong. But my life is not....I am unhappy and I think this is a big reason why. I barely have any friends. I don't really feel connected to the world.

I've dealt with this for a long time. Like, 10 years. I'm in therapy now, and I just feel like, it's not helping. We don't really consistently work on it though. I am looking for a new therapist.

[i dont matter]

You must be my long lost twin....... I can totally relate to what you are saying.

[kaliope]

I think you are making a good choice by looking for a new t. my old t new worked on my trauma issues or my past and my anxiety only got worse because of this, now I am with a t that specializes in trauma. turns out I didn't even have a correct diagnosis. my anxiety is greatly reduced to where I have cut my meds by 2/3s. it definitely helps to have someone work on what you need.

Thanks for the encouragement, Kaliope!!

[ManOfConstantSorrow]

Originally Posted by starrysky

I get really bad anticipatory anxiety before I do certain social things, like get togethers, parties, stuff where I won't know everyone, or new activities, etc.
The thing is, I *want* to do these things. I want to be social. I want to connect with other people. But my anxiety and worry around it causes me to avoid. The urge to avoid, is really strong. But my life is not....I am unhappy and I think this is a big reason why. I barely have any friends. I don't really feel connected to the world.

I've dealt with this for a long time. Like, 10 years. I'm in therapy now, and I just feel like, it's not helping. We don't really consistently work on it though. I am looking for a new therapist.

Me too, but for fifty years, glad you are working on it, so am I, best wishes.

[Alter]

I know how you feel, some time ago i didn't care about connecting to others but now i start to feel like connecting with other people and i can't expecialy with the opposite sex. You do well in seeking a new therapist, hope it helps you.

[angelene]

I know how you feel. I can barely leave the house due to the anxiety. What if a neighbor is out there? And a million other what-ifs kick in.

[Bluesday]

I feel the same way too! I remember once someone from work asked me to go bowling with a group of his friends-- Initially, I was excited and wanted to bowl, so I said yes I would go. When it came down to the day and time, I backed out. The strong urge to NOT GO out of fear and anxiety was like gravity acting on an apple falling from a tree.