[little_miss]

I never get anxiety when I am out in public, I can go to the cinema, the shopping centre, be in crowded places and I don't have a problem. Same with artificial interaction, such as ordering takeaway and asking a shop keeper for assistance because ,I know if I stuff up I will never have to see them again.

When it comes to socialising with people on a personal level (Parties, group get together, camps etc), i fear it. It makes me very uncomfortable, especially with strangers.I guess this is because I know; they have a change to get to judge me. Even with my friends I feel this anxiety. It makes me wish they would go away therefore I wouldn't have to worry about any more social situations. Ever!

I don't go out much because of that, apart from tafe (basically community college.) If i do see some friends, it's once every 4 weeks. So if it wasn't for tafe, I would hardly be out of the house at all.

 

[Aron James]

Hello Little miss,

I totally understand this. Try not to label yourself in such terms as someone who has social anxiety. Try labelling yourself as someone who is a good person who cares about others and so cares what they think about you.

Those close to us we care about, their opinions always matter more than what random people think about us so it is natural to feel like this sometimes, it's a good thing. You can remember though it's because you are a caring person, so when you realise this you can also remind yourself that you care what they think. Then you can remind yourself that you dont need to be afraid since they already like you and care for you just as you care for them, so you can lessen the anxiety you feel. You can choose to feel good.

People like you, people love you and probably want to spend more time with you, so allow the anxiety to be present but dont let it stop you being with people who like you.

Aron