How do I get help?

[Guest]

I was wondering if anyone felt like sharing how they first got help for social anxiety. I am pretty sure that I have SA but I dont know how to get help! I am scared to death to tell anyone about it, I dont want to be wrong and embarrass myself. At least thats what I keep telling myself. I actually really dont know what stops me from getting help. Any advice on obtaining help would be SOOO appreciated!! Thanks!

 

[amy88]

I spoke to my family doctor about it. I remember just making the appointment was tough (I hate doctors appointments) but he was SUPER understanding. From there they usually do a referral to a counsellor or a psychologist if you're needing medication. It'll depend on your country, usually - where are you based? There might be some resources online we can find for you about places to contact in your area. And big kudos to you for seeking help! That's wonderful!

 

[Alex]

Actually many people have social anxiety and some need help and others cope with the support of friends. First of all you need to look at what makes you anxious and see if there is an underlying factor. If you are at school you could go and see a counselor there, or if not maybe approach a support group locally.


To be honest most people who are socially anxious struggle to do any of the above and need a push. What I would recommend is maybe an online chat site like 7 cups of tea which is free, so that you can chat to someone trained online, and then take it form there. http://www.7cups.com/

 

[Corzhens]

I haven't experienced social anxiety although there are times that I get aloof when with people who are superior to me like an officers' meeting in the office. The best antidote is to have a support group. It can be your friends or even family who could provide you the encouragement you need by their simple presence. For example in a sports game, some 2 or 3 friend are with you, applauding and cheering for your team. You will not notice that you tend to do what they are doing. And if you cannot get a group then settle for your best friend. As they say, a best friend is one who props you up when you are down. In any social event, it is much better to have someone with you so you can speak and also hear something. Even for normal people, it's not comfortable to be alone in a social affair especially if you don't know anyone in there. That sometimes happen to me when I am invited to a wedding. In order to be a bit comfortable, I would bring along my husband and with his camera, we are not out of place.

 

[Elly]

I am pretty sure that I have SA but (...) I am scared to death to tell anyone about it' date=' I dont want to be wrong and embarrass myself. At least thats what I keep telling myself. I actually really dont know what stops me from getting help. [/quote']
It doesn't have to get bad enough for you just to check. It's worth asking, if you have any friends who might have mentioned going through counseling (they can refer you to someone who can maybe refer you to someone), or if your nearest medical facility includes a wellness or psychology department? It's just checking. If it's something else, or if it's nothing, that's on the professionals trained to diagnose people. That's their job. Your job is to live the best life that you can manage in the time you're given, and feeling anxious about feeling anxious is a hindrance to that. It's just delegating a task to an expert in that field, that's all. I hope this helps! (Though I'm sorry I don't know if the protocol is different where you live, maybe the psychotherapists are in the phone book, or part of any given campus or health care plan, or something?)

 

[MellowCat]

It's common to feel embarrassed or ashamed of a mental health concern. This is partly because our society still, as a whole, doesn't want to accept that this is normal and common thing, and that it's OK.


I would suggest that you talk to someone you trust first, whether that be a best friend or a relative or even your doctor. Your doctor could be a really good option because he or she could recommend services to you that might be helpful.


However, in the mean time, you have already taken the first step by posting in this forum. that is admirable. You have already told someone! And even if it doesn't feel like it, because ware separated by distance, you have told people who care and would like to help you.

 

[John Snort]

I've heard that Cognitive-behavioral therapy does work most of the time. So if you want faster results this is what you should opt for. Something else you could try which may or may not help is mindfulness meditation. There are numerous videos on the net that could guide you through how it is done. And there also are some sites which offer some form of free social anxiety treatment. I stumbled into one a year or so ago, can't remember the web address but use Google and you'll most certainly find them.

 

[Robilas]

Social anxiety is way more common than you would think, and there is no shame in asking for help. Starting is easy: you could try and talk to your family and friends about it, of course depending on your relationship with them, so you can find a solution together. Maybe you simply need to talk with someone to understand the real entity of your problem.


However if you are too embarrassed to talk about it with someone close to you, I found that talking to a doctor or a therapist can be very beneficial. Talking to your family like amy88 suggested is an excellent idea: you will finally have a qualified opinion. Maybe you are overestimating your problem, or maybe you are underestimating it, who knows. You may even decide to have a second opinion. And remember, don't be ashamed to talk about your problems!

 

[CarlosTL]

I was wondering if anyone felt like sharing how they first got help for social anxiety. I am pretty sure that I have SA but I dont know how to get help! I am scared to death to tell anyone about it' date=' I dont want to be wrong and embarrass myself. At least thats what I keep telling myself. I actually really dont know what stops me from getting help. Any advice on obtaining help would be SOOO appreciated!! Thanks![/quote']
First you should know that social anxiety is a common problem, especially in this day and age so don't feel estranged by it.


You don't have to come forward and tell someone you know about it, unless you trust them, but there are many ways to get help without the discomfort of face-to-face meetings; you can talk about it online you can read books and see if it applies to your case, you can see a professional therapist in real life without anybody knowing about it.

 

[WorkAtHomeGal]

It took me years a lot of years until I told my doctor... The breaking point for me was when part of the reason I left my job in 2014 was because of the depression and heavy SA I was going through... After I told him he gave me a low dose of medication and over time increased it a bit because I was getting a bit worse with not leaving the house, etc. He also offered tips too. It took a but then he referred me to mental health. I had an in take appointment with them and now am waiting to get on with a therapist. Not sure how long it will take I have been waiting 8 months and last time I talked to them its a year wait right now. I don't beleive the therapist will entirely help but just having that as an option and professional opinion will be nice.

 

[Guest]

I'm in the same situation right now. I have no idea how to get help. I can't help you, sorry, but if I do get help in the next few weeks, like I plan on trying to, I'll let you know everything about the whole process.


The hard part is just making up your mind to get help, and forcing yourself to take the first step. It'll be hard. Sometimes it seems like SA fights back with anxiety anytime it feels like it's going to be beaten. Don't be embarrassed to talk to a someone who can help you about it. Remember that SA is the third most common mental disorder. It's unlikely they haven't seen it before, and they've helped people with much greater and much smaller problems. Even if you're wrong about having SA, they'll still try to help you with your problems. That's their job.

 

[Theazzz]

Posting here is a good start. You'd be amazed how many people struggle with this same issue. Admitting it to yourself is also a big step, as many tend to deny they have a problem. As someone mentioned before, try talking to your doctor about it as well. Professional opinions and and guidance should help.