[robbi15]

Hello everyone. So, I had my first breakdown more than two years ago. I recovered after taking Zyprexa for almost 5 months then I stopped taking meds without concerning my psychiatrist and then I relapsed after 8 months of being off the meds. So, I was put on zyprexa again. But this time, it didn't help much, instead I was having episodes every other night. So, I changed psychiatrist and then I was put on Abilfy. I was on various dosage of Abilify along with various benzos and beta blockers for almost a year. And now finally, I am taking only Amisulpride 100mg and nothing else. I am happy to say that, I have less side effects and sedation effect now that I am off of benzos. But I still had few brief episodes in past few months. Anyway I am glad to say that I am pretty stable now. I don't have any delusions nor do I have any auditory hallucinations. But, I do want to say that I am not doing very well socially. I have isolated myself from society and despite wanting to go out there, I can't seem to get out of this anxiety of meeting new people or even interacting with my old friends. My psychiatrist says that I have improved a lot over the last year and that my positive symptoms are under control. But my only problem right now is that I am not moving on. He says that I need to increase my confidence and self-esteem. But how can I do that? it's not a switch that can be turned on at will. He also says that my only problem right now is that I am not socializing enough. And although, I tried forcing myself into social situations, it didn't go too well and I ended up back where I started.
I also am not happy living in isolation my by myself. I am constantly on the edge. I am constantly pacing around and am obsessively thinking about things especially future events, especially if it involves me going out and interacting with people.So, I think even though I have overcame most of my positive symptoms I am still suffering from fear of social interactions i.e. some form of social anxiety.
So, my question is what comes next after getting rid of the positive symptoms and becoming stable enough to be able to function on your own but how to get rid of these residual symptoms? how can I get rid of these anxiety and depression? How can I go back out there and not be afraid anymore? How much time does it take? Is there hope for gaining self-confidence and social-confidence again like I used to have before the relapse?

[Blue_Bird]

Have you considered therapy? CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) can be very helpful in dealing with social anxiety

[Sometimes psychotic]

I agree with bluebird----I started CBT after my first episode and have continued the last 4 years---its a slow process but I have one really good friend and now a boyfriend as well.

[robbi15]

Originally Posted by Blue_Bird

Have you considered therapy? CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) can be very helpful in dealing with social anxiety

No, I haven't tried any form of therapy. My psychiatrist hasn't referred me to any therapist. Maybe he doesn't think it is that bad. Every time I visit him, he just asks me to force myself into social situation and asks me not to feel insecure and all that as if it is a switch I can turn on and off at my will. Can I go to therapy without concerning him ?

[Victoria'smom]

I don't see why not.

[ofthevalley]

Originally Posted by robbi15

No, I haven't tried any form of therapy. My psychiatrist hasn't referred me to any therapist. Maybe he doesn't think it is that bad. Every time I visit him, he just asks me to force myself into social situation and asks me not to feel insecure and all that as if it is a switch I can turn on and off at my will. Can I go to therapy without concerning him ?

You can go to therapy without his referral. Just check with your insurance company