Practically my whole life, I have avoided people because of the anxiety I feel; what should I do?

Question

I'm in college at present, and I find myself finding excuses to leave areas people are. The people that I tried to open up to befriended me, but I find that I am just not comfortable around them. I've concluded that one's sociality and attitude have a direct relationship with success (economically, socially) and content. I feel trapped. Group projects are always assigned, and I just panic. What the heck am I supposed to do? I've been quiet in school for as long as I can remember. I've been trying to change the way I am for the last year or so...to no avail.

Answer 1

im like this>>  heres some info..http://search.yahoo.com/search?p=anxiety...

Answer 2

I know how you feel. I grew up painfully shy. Do you have health insurance? Seeing a therapist could be very helpful for you. You might also need the added help of an antidepressant designed for social anxiety. Celexa is very good. A lot of people are uncomfortable using antidepressants, feeling they should be able to deal with these things on their own. You could wait forever for that to happen.

I'm 47 and was in therapy quite a bit in my 20s and 30s to deal with social anxiety and other problems. It helped, but it wasn't until I took Celexa, after the age of 40, that I could let go of some of the horribly painful feelings. It should accompany the work you're doing on overcoming your anxiety. But I hope you will try it, as it is such a waste for you to have to have such painful feelings when you can let go of them.

I sincerely hope this is helpful to you, and I hope things get better for you very soon.

Answer 3

Just try going with the friends you have met and meet their friends.  They'll help you, maybe even introduce you.  It's easier to be social when someone you already know is there.  You just need to slowly learn to meet other people by yourself, but your friends will help to start off with.  Try just talking to random people after a while that you meet instead of just smiling at them or avoiding them.  You do need social skills in life, and you can make them yourself.

Answer 4

if not already, u should maybe talk to your parents and a phsycologist, you may be experiencing symptoms of GAD (generalized anxiety disorder) like me, and also you could have panic disorder. On a lighter note you should talk to them more and maybe theyll include you if not try and get people to come to you or maybe talk to one person at a time and get to know each other

Answer 5

Hi there, it's a big question but you can overcome this.  I have a website that might help.  I think it's probably a real  combination of things, self esteem, self image, and just some bad habits as well.  Have a look I think you might find it useful, there are some tips and stuff that can help, some good links as well.

http://www.dream-life-coaching.com

Good luck

Answer 6

Anxiety has two different reflections, one with experienced person and another with lacking experience.With experienced person it generates energy, progress and responsibility. So be anxious for your progress and responsibility, because anxiety is your success. (Strong is one who stands alone).

Answer 7

You sound like a deep person who doesn't like superficial relationships...

Making friends may not be that important to you right now. But as a young person, you really need to practice, to try to put yourself out there and take a risk. The more you practice being more friendly and open, the easier it will become. You may even luck in to someone who will add some joy to your life and enrich it ways you can't imagine. Be open to others. It takes practice...and for what it's worth, some of get so anxious socially that we actually start sweating! I have actually hidden in a bathroom to avoid someone.

But now years later, I've gotten better at it because I've made the effort. (and it's a good thing too, because I'm a nurse and if I couldn't interact and connect, I'd be hiding in a lot of bathrooms!)

Good luck, practice is the key. We all have a lot more in common than we think

I wish you well :)

Liz

Answer 8

You may never be comfortable in group situations, and that's not the worst thing ever. Don't feel like you're gonna have to ace public speaking or have 800 friends in order to succeed. I'm sure you're aware of that already, I'm just saying it anyway.

I think the first thing you should do is try to pinpoint exactly what about other people is freaking your brain out. Is it trying to make more than one person happy? Is it trying to be perfect? Is it you being selfish? Take some time to narrow it down and realize nobody is going to judge you based on every little thing you do. Nobody's going to bite your head off. In fact, they may be uncomfortable around you, too, because you're the one uncomfortable.

Heck, I finally realized I'm fine around one person, maybe two, but three makes me feel awkward because I think that since they now have a choice of who to talk to, they'd rather talk to each other than me. I also feel like I cater to other peoples' personalities, and when there's too many in the room, I feel like I'm trying to wear too many hats at once. Go figure.

Answer 9

I also suffer from anxiety and panic attacks.  Schedule an appointment with your doctor to tell them what you have been experiencing.  They will probably prescribe you some medice for it.  There is such a stigma attached to medicines, but I promise you it will make you feel better.  I have been on prozac for a few years and it has helped tremendously.  Medicine won't instantly make you feel better, it takes a few weeks and you may need to try several before you try the right one.  It is definately worth a try.  It will change your life.