[jester]

Recently I've joined a DBT support group. I've been isolated for a long time due to an identity crisis and mental health issues. For the last ten years I've been in the mental health system. However, in the last five progress has occured in all areas but one.
The problem I'm having is talking to people face to face. Over the telephone or by email I don't have this problem. When attending class I follow along, take notes etc. but there's no verbal participation. If called apon to share I'm oblivious as to what is being discussed and have to pass. However once I'm home I remember everything. I take an anti-anxiety med for this but it's not helping. I"m also receiving treatment for ADHD.
I've done some research on the net learning that I may need more exposure experiences to such situations to become more familiar with them. Also have read that I may not be very well 'Grounded'. Would anyone have suggestions or experiences they coud share? Thank you!
jim

[curlyq]

Hi. Welcome to the forums. I agree that the exposure experiences can be very helpful for your situation. Usually a counselor would guide you with that. I believe it's called Systematic Desensitization. You would start out with less frightening things and work your way up to the more frightening ones at a more comfortable pace.

Have you also ever tried pretending you are talking to someone face to face while you are at home? Rehearsing is a helpful thing. Often people rehearse to put themselves more at ease in various situations including public speaking (many are afraid of it). You could write a script out and then put a chair in front of you and say the things you would like to say face to face. Do it over and over and picture someone you would like to speak to-maybe someone who looks very friendly to you. Then doing it with someone you find safe is also helpful. Like if you are seeing a counselor you could rehearse there, too. I noticed when I rehearsed it made things go much better. I've done it for public speaking and just to say what I needed to say at times. I felt more at ease.

Hope you'll keep posting and reading here. There are many here with the same problem. Best wishes with it. CQ

<font color=orange>"I must lose myself in action,
lest I wither in despair."

Lord Tennyson</font color=orange>