I have SA. I get extremely tense and nervous in social situations for no apparent reason. The only thing is, I don't think I have a negative self image. I never catch myself saying that I can't do anything, or that im stupid, or that im awkward or anything like that. So what now? I've heard that for some therapies, you are supposed to develop an automatic positive reaction to any negative thoughts. The thing is, I don't have these thoughts. Just the fear. Anyone else experience this or have any more information? Could this mean that I just have hyperthyroidism or something like that? The social anxiety has only made me depressed once or twice (for a few hours).
positive self image
1 - 5 of 5 Posts
Joined
·
606 Posts
Anxiety can be physiological, wouldn't be a bad idea to check it out.
The thoughts can be so fast and habitual through your head you might not even notice them or you might no register these thoughts as "negative." For me if I enter similar situations compared to my past I can trigger past emotions from a unpleasant time and barely have any coherent thoughts. You can also have anxiety from anticipating anxiety. It's a lot things. Do you bash yourself after having anxiety? Are you assuming their thoughts or trying to be somebody you are not. Analyze yourself and find your insecurities and fears and see how it might trigger your fear in certain situations. The hard part is usually finding negative thoughts.
The thoughts can be so fast and habitual through your head you might not even notice them or you might no register these thoughts as "negative." For me if I enter similar situations compared to my past I can trigger past emotions from a unpleasant time and barely have any coherent thoughts. You can also have anxiety from anticipating anxiety. It's a lot things. Do you bash yourself after having anxiety? Are you assuming their thoughts or trying to be somebody you are not. Analyze yourself and find your insecurities and fears and see how it might trigger your fear in certain situations. The hard part is usually finding negative thoughts.
Joined
·
3,746 Posts
I agree with roverred. I think we slip into roles we're used to playing when faced with certain challenges. It seems to happen with no conscious thought. For me to understand what's going on I have to analyze the situation and infer what my behavior must mean. I get very few direct hints like telling myself I'm lazy or stupid.
I never get negative thoughts either. I have a very positive self image and love everything about myself. I know people would like me if I talked to them. Which is why the fear and avoidance is so irrational and frustrating.
I never had negative thoughts, but the bast few years I've developed them because of SA. After so long of dealing with it and not knowing what it was I began to think there was something wrong with me, that I must be stupid, or no one likes me and that turned in to negative things in general.
So I dont think you have to have low self a steam or think negatively about yourself to have SA. I haven't done research on the causes yet but I would assume a very negative event in your life could cause it.
So I dont think you have to have low self a steam or think negatively about yourself to have SA. I haven't done research on the causes yet but I would assume a very negative event in your life could cause it.
1 - 5 of 5 Posts
