support system

[zzzBrian]

I've noticed that when I'm with a close friend or family member, I feel zero anxiety in public. I can function normally and express myself easily. In fact, it's easy to concentrate on the task at hand - like talking. When I'm alone, however, I find it quite distressing to walk in public. My full attention is on the people around me. It sucks. I become all closed off and I'm not myself at all. What can I do to battle this?

[dontcare]

Have you tried CBT?

[zzzBrian]

Well, let's see. I'm not sure. I saw a therapist who medicated me with an SSRI and mentioned CBT as if he were using it. But when I think of the definition of CBT, I'm not to sure that is what we did. Doesn't CBT involve actually exposing yourself to situations and changing your reaction? Hmmm... I guess that is what we did.


So...yes. I remember making progress, but I hated the effect that the medication had on me. It made me feel numb and really weird and out of touch. Also, my therapist had trouble reaching me, so I broke it off. I have had trouble finding a quality therapist who can understand me.

[shyvr6]

It kind of sounds like a security blanket or something.

[nightwalker]

Originally Posted by zzzbrian

i've noticed that when i'm with a close friend or family member, i feel zero anxiety in public. I can function normally and express myself easily. In fact, it's easy to concentrate on the task at hand - like talking. When i'm alone, however, i find it quite distressing to walk in public. My full attention is on the people around me. It sucks. I become all closed off and i'm not myself at all. What can i do to battle this?

i have the same rpoblem.

[nightwalker]

Originally Posted by zzzBrian

Well, let's see. I'm not sure. I saw a therapist who medicated me with an SSRI and mentioned CBT as if he were using it. But when I think of the definition of CBT, I'm not to sure that is what we did. Doesn't CBT involve actually exposing yourself to situations and changing your reaction? Hmmm... I guess that is what we did.


So...yes. I remember making progress, but I hated the effect that the medication had on me. It made me feel numb and really weird and out of touch. Also, my therapist had trouble reaching me, so I broke it off. I have had trouble finding a quality therapist who can understand me.

which ssri are you taking? just wondering.

[KC-Blu-Eyez]

I experience that also. With someone I feel I can be more open because I usually watch what they do and how they act.

[Drew]

Originally Posted by zzzBrian

I've noticed that when I'm with a close friend or family member, I feel zero anxiety in public. I can function normally and express myself easily. In fact, it's easy to concentrate on the task at hand - like talking. When I'm alone, however, I find it quite distressing to walk in public. My full attention is on the people around me. It sucks. I become all closed off and I'm not myself at all. What can I do to battle this?

Yeah, my social anxiety has always been very similar. If you think about it, it's natural to feel less threatened and socially vulnerable when you are with a group. Both CBT and medications have helped me with this.

I used Dr. Richards Overcoming Social Anxiety: Step by Step audio series and attended a 20 week group based on it:
http://www.socialanxietysupport.com/...oducts/25.html

Then I found a good psychiatrist who was willing to work with me on finding medications that were effective with my biology.

[zzzBrian]

Originally Posted by Drew

Yeah, my social anxiety has always been very similar. If you think about it, it's natural to feel less threatened and socially vulnerable when you are with a group. Both CBT and medications have helped me with this.

I used Dr. Richards Overcoming Social Anxiety: Step by Step audio series and attended a 20 week group based on it:
http://www.socialanxietysupport.com/...oducts/25.html

Then I found a good psychiatrist who was willing to work with me on finding medications that were effective with my biology.

How did you find a good psychiatrist?

As to the security blanket thing - maybe it is. But I really didn't connect with the two therapists at the "practice" I went to (Part of my University). It's like they were applying a formula to me. Oh this kid has SA, let's do this this and this, problem solved.


I tried zoloft - which I hated. I got off that pretty fast.

Also tried...prozac? I think that medication worked pretty well, but like I said, I made the decision to go off of it because I didn't feel right. In retrospect, I'm happy with that decision.

[Drew]

Originally Posted by zzzBrian

How did you find a good psychiatrist?

As to the security blanket thing - maybe it is. But I really didn't connect with the two therapists at the "practice" I went to (Part of my University). It's like they were applying a formula to me. Oh this kid has SA, let's do this this and this, problem solved.


I tried zoloft - which I hated. I got off that pretty fast.

Also tried...prozac? I think that medication worked pretty well, but like I said, I made the decision to go off of it because I didn't feel right. In retrospect, I'm happy with that decision.

Start with your insurance. Keep pushing for a referral to a psychiatrist instead of a registered nurse or GP. If you don't have insurance and are going to pay out of pocket I'd start with the Anxiety Disorder Association of America website. They have psychiatrists listed.

I tried both Zoloft and Prozac. Neither worked well for me. I almost gave up on the idea of taking medication, but then I found the combination of Effexor and Klonopin that has worked very well for me.