Overcoming shyness but now have anxiety- help?

Question

Shyness is such a disease! I don't think non-shy people understand how absolutely crippling it is, and it's incredibly frustrating! I have been shy all my life, and have tried so hard (especially lately) to overcome it. I think I'm definitely making progress and find myself much more outgoing in situations where I would have previously had my heart jumping out of my chest. But now instead I have started having this weird anxiety after the fact. Now I can usually go into a social situation and seem not shy, but the next day find myself with this general panicked feeling. My heart will beat quickly and I feel like I'm going in a bunch of directions at the same time, this worried, nervous, anxious feeling that I just can't shake. It's like I just delayed the shyness, not cured it!

Has anyone had any luck combating their shyness, or felt that weird afterwards-panicky feeling?

Thanks!

Answer 1

I was the same way.  I would go see a psychiatrist and have him put you on medications for your anxiety and shyness.

I am on klonopin .5 mgs for my anxiety, and Prozac 80 mgs for theo  anxiety, and depression.  

When the Prozac gets into your system, you  will find that you are a completely different person.  You will be more outgoing, self confidient, etc.

I know what you are going through, therefore if you need/want to talk, please e-mail me.

Answer 2

Hi.  I'm much less shy as an adult- my youth was agonizing.  Still, I find myself blushing in social situations, which is humiliating.  I try to tell myself that some people may find this trait old-fashioned and charming, lol!  I also suffer from anxiety (perhaps these two go hand-in-hand).  I have had talk therapy over the years, plus treatment with anti-depressants.  Celexa addresses the anxiety for me- I now feel like a normal person.  Everybody is different.  I would try talk therapy and speak with a doctor who specializes in this sort of disorder.  I hope you feel better soon, I know how miserable it is.

Answer 3

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I started out taking prozac 20mg daily.. then it dropped to 10mg and now I am just taking 5mg and still doing very well. I might be considering taking medication off my life.

And most importantly, I am here to help you because I know how it feels to have anxiety or panic attacks.

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All the best,

Seng

Answer 4

ur so right i hate being shy and it is tough to overcome that heart pounding feeling........... and i know what you mean about the next day u start to think omg what did i do,but just try to go back and remember how calm you were during the event and that you handled urself well, it helps me a bit when i start getting worked up