Joined
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145 Posts
I thought I would say hello to everyone who is new here. 
Social Anxiety is a very difficult thing to cope with, and a very difficult thing for most people to understand. Most people will assume we are just shy and will eventually get over it, but many times this is not the case. The anxiety we experience can make ordinary everyday things into enormous obstacles.
Furthermore, it is important to understand that not all cases of SA are exactly the same. There are varying degrees and differences in what situations cause us anxiety. Some of us may have no trouble getting a job, while others struggle. Similarly, some of us may lack in the relationship area, while others don't think it is a big deal.
I thought it would be interesting to see how others are affected by their SA. I went about listing some of the situations that cause me anxiety, and organized them into 3 categories,
1)Things that cause anxiety, but I don't avoid
2) Things that I tend to avoid, but can force myself to do
3) Things I avoid at all costs.
If you want to, think of the things that cause you anxiety. What category do they fall into on your list? I think it would be interesting to see how we differ or don't. :idea I hope it will help everyone be more understanding of each other, because I have noticed sometimes we try to impose our experiences and struggles on other people, and expect them to be the same way. Even among other SA'ers it can be difficult to feel understood :no
Anyway, Here is my list so far:
Things that cause anxiety, but I don't avoid:
-walking through security detectors in stores
-buses
-eating in front of people
-giving my signature in front of someone
-doing something in front of someone (such as unlocking doors)
-walking passed people
-walking into a room when others are already seated
-paying for things at cash register
-answering the door
-ordering food at a restaurant
-coughing/sneezing in front of people (but I do avoid if possible)
Things that I tend to avoid, but will force myself (with much difficulty) to do if necessary:
-phone calls
-one-on-one conversations/small talk
-cooking in front of people
-talking on the phone in front of someone
-trying something new when others are watching
Things I avoid at all costs (if I know I am going to be forced to do it I worry about it days, weeks, and even months in advance…if I have no warning, it triggers a panic attack):
-driving
-interviews/jobs
-public speaking (oral presentations, speaking in class, reading aloud etc.)
-Doctor's appointments
Social Anxiety is a very difficult thing to cope with, and a very difficult thing for most people to understand. Most people will assume we are just shy and will eventually get over it, but many times this is not the case. The anxiety we experience can make ordinary everyday things into enormous obstacles.Furthermore, it is important to understand that not all cases of SA are exactly the same. There are varying degrees and differences in what situations cause us anxiety. Some of us may have no trouble getting a job, while others struggle. Similarly, some of us may lack in the relationship area, while others don't think it is a big deal.
I thought it would be interesting to see how others are affected by their SA. I went about listing some of the situations that cause me anxiety, and organized them into 3 categories,
1)Things that cause anxiety, but I don't avoid
2) Things that I tend to avoid, but can force myself to do
3) Things I avoid at all costs.
If you want to, think of the things that cause you anxiety. What category do they fall into on your list? I think it would be interesting to see how we differ or don't. :idea I hope it will help everyone be more understanding of each other, because I have noticed sometimes we try to impose our experiences and struggles on other people, and expect them to be the same way. Even among other SA'ers it can be difficult to feel understood :no
Anyway, Here is my list so far:
Things that cause anxiety, but I don't avoid:
-walking through security detectors in stores
-buses
-eating in front of people
-giving my signature in front of someone
-doing something in front of someone (such as unlocking doors)
-walking passed people
-walking into a room when others are already seated
-paying for things at cash register
-answering the door
-ordering food at a restaurant
-coughing/sneezing in front of people (but I do avoid if possible)
Things that I tend to avoid, but will force myself (with much difficulty) to do if necessary:
-phone calls
-one-on-one conversations/small talk
-cooking in front of people
-talking on the phone in front of someone
-trying something new when others are watching
Things I avoid at all costs (if I know I am going to be forced to do it I worry about it days, weeks, and even months in advance…if I have no warning, it triggers a panic attack):
-driving
-interviews/jobs
-public speaking (oral presentations, speaking in class, reading aloud etc.)
-Doctor's appointments
