Social anxiety help

[[Th...]]

Hi all,

 

So now that i jumped and intend to NEVER TAKE A BENZO AGAIN, i need to find solutions for my social phobia.

 

I am better than begore with that, since i really don't care much anymore what people think of me.  But i do get heart palps when in class.  I am learning to lead group therapy, and man, it ain't easy.  Aside from having to be very careful with your language (which requires super-sharpness), the heart palps start up and it hinders my performance.  Grrrrr!!! 

 

So i need to figure out how to cope with this.  I just joined a social anxiety forum, whivh of course has a section on benzo's and other meds.  It also has a lot of good threads on CBT and other non-medication ways to cope with anxiety.

 

I would love to hear from people here how they manage their anxiety, especially performing in front of a group.

 

Thanks in advance!

[[an...]]

No Fun,

What has worked for me is small exposures that build on each other. Going out, but only staying a short time, then if that was a success, going out a bit longer the next time. Always having an escape plan reduces anxiety about getting stuck!

peace, stasia

[[ja...]]

Hi no fun,

 

I would have to agree with the post above, using small exposures to build on and continue moving forward. Also remember that everyone makes mistakes... remind yourself that people are not focusing on you or your mistakes nearly as much as you may think they are. I had a fear of public speaking for a long time.... once I realized me messing up.... even super badly.... was not the end of the world. Put less importance in your head on outside opinion. You should care most what YOU are presenting... not others opinions of any small slip you may make. Truthfully, people arent sitting back snickering and hoping you fail... most people want just the opposite

 

Truthfully hope this helped in some way.

 

Jason

[[Th...]]

Thx guys, this is very helpful!  I gotta keep that in my head--everyone makes mistakes....people are not hoping i'll fail....good advice!

[[Ke...]]

Maybe try attention training? This just helps you focus on what is happening around you rather then worrying about physical anxiety symptoms.

http://www.mct-institute.com/attention-training-technique

It's hard though when your going through withdrawal as often the anxiety is a million times worse then it would usually be!

[Guest [Or...]]

I had a very brief encounter with social phobia. I was made fun of in highschool and was kind of a loser. However. When I got to College I wanted that to change. I was invited to a party and just went balls to the wall and made it my goal to talk to every. Single. Person. It didn't matter how nervous I was, or whether it would cause me to panic, I was just gonna do it. And I did. And I made a ton of new friends and, until benzos...had no issues talking to people after that.

 

Sometimes you just gotta dive right in. But anastasia's suggestion of small victories is probably more realistic.

[[Th...]]

Yeah, i tried that approach, with the help of alcohol.  It worked great lol