[ellektra]

I feel like I am challenging my social anxiety by taking acting classes this summer. My SA shows up everyday -- I never really feel like I am part of the "ensemble", they all hang out and do stuff together and I am sort of the oddball (as usual) of the group that never gets invited anywhere....I always feel like I'm not wanted. But looking at the positive side, I am proud of myself just for being there. I actually feel more comfortable reading lines from a script than talking as myself -- don't have to think about it as much Just thought I would share because I am proud of myself for pushing myself out of my shell (a little).

 

[lastofthekews]

That's brilliant ellektra! I've never known what I really like to do in life (never had any hobbies), but recently thought acting would be quite interesting. I doubt I could build up the courage to take acting classes though, i'd be too afraid of what people thought of me. The closest i've come is to read plays out aloud to myself at home - I know that's quite cowardly that this is as far as I can get, but it still gives me a slight buzz from acting out the parts. If anyone ever caught me doing though they'd probably think i'm a weirdo!

I know how you feel feeling like your not part of the group, but I hope that in time you do become part of it. I hope it all goes well for you and helps you build your confidence and help bring you out of your shell.

 

[zookeeper]

I think that's a great idea!

Playing characters can be a good way of letting loose and 'sidestepping' anxiety. This is probably going to sound really weird, but I find that I'm really able to let my guard down and get really talkative and silly when I have a puppet. Someone had a puppet on their desk at my old job, and I would take it and stick the puppet through my boss' door and joke and make fun of him, when I could barely talk to him at all normally. Sadly, there are too few occasions in life where puppets are appropriate.

I hope it goes well and you stick with it. Feeling like you're part of the group can take time, so don't give up.

 

[Catching Fire]

I can relate to what your doing. I just started Judo and my situation is alot like yours. It's awesome that you arn't letting anxiety keep you from doing an activity you want to do.

 

[contranigma]

lo

I just started using this site a few days ago, and was just speculating that I have SA, but some of the similarities of how the people on here think seems pretty amazing. For instance, this last year at college I took acting and judo and felt like it was challenging myself to do things I was uncomfortable doing. Could be coincidence, but it is kind of cool reading thoughts and actions that seem similar to mine.

 

[kaye]

I would like to try some self-defense course, I think it would be good for me, help me feel stronger, to do that physical activity, and with the idea of strength, self-defense.

I've been on effexor XR for anxiety for over a year now, and maybe that's why I got the courage to do some singing, I took a voice class last spring, and it was really good for me, really good. All my life I've been afraid of doing that type of thing, but fantasized about it.

This class is solo jazz singing, so each person sings solo in front of the class. But I did it, and I plan to re-enroll in the fall, singing is very good for me!

And I also have tended to be the wierd person out, not invited, but I did fit in somewhat with the social group in this class. So some progress and success there as well.

Better late than never! Life is to be lived, every day and to be who you are!

 

[slyfox]

Congrats on going to acting classes! That is quite an accomplishment, especially for someone with sa :yay