Did you know you can overcome Social Anxiety Disorder?

Or at least be treated so you can live the life you want, be happy, and be successful?

Go and get help. If it's affecting your life negatively, then getting help is all what it's about. That's why it's a "disorder". You CAN live happy normal lives or whatever life you want -- it just takes knowledge, positivity, and using the resources... like seeing a professional, getting self-help, beliving in yourself, having a support system.

It can start by calling a free hotline (there's many in local counties, states, and many countries) that are 24/7 and free. Don't worry or stress or dwell as much as you can... if it's bothering you, go and get help. You can change but it's up to you. No matter what anyone says on this forum or how negative things might seem, there is ALWAYS hope and you can always get better and be happy. You don't have to let ANYTHING negative control your life.

It's your life, and it's up to you... there are many solutions out there and you don't know if they work for you unless you try it. I suggest seeing a professional (never had SAD, but had depression and I just want to spread positivity!)

Social Anxiety Disorder is one of the most treatable mental illnesses out there. Go and get help today you will be ok, you are LOVED, trust me... have a good week you guys! Life is too short to be anything but happy, find that drive and purpose that keeps you going in life, that cliche, or that philosophical meaning... that helped me thru my rock bottom days. Educate yourself. You will always benefit from more knowledge, trust me

Surround yourself in positivity. There are real positives out there in this world -- it's up to you to change your perception and the attitude and go out there and get help for what you need. It's ok to get help, we all need help sometimes, there is absolutely nothing you should be embarrassed about. It's for you and no one else anyway

Why do you feel like you have to live your life with this? You don't have too...

You guys got this

I am working on that. I've improved a lot. Strangely, therapy didn't do much to help me with that, I just had to actually go and do things to make my fears diminish. I still get anxious from time to time, depending on the situation, but I can handle it.

Agoraphobia is a completely different story, though...

Thanks for the nice post but it's not that simple. Unless you have SA you'll never understand what it's like and how hard it is to overcome. Yes, there is therapy etc but it's not a cure and most people with SA will always have it, even if they get therapy and improve it will always be there.

I have heard somewhere that S.A is to much chemical in the brain that is pasted down through the family my mother (is not extremely outgoing but she does have a life holidays ect) and her 4 childen have it my father is very out going spent long time in the navy

its simple you can learn to understand and cope .. but you can never change your chemical makeup as if you get a kid with s.a they will not want to go to a friends birthday party .. if you get a kid without s.a he is fearless and will try anything

So if you don't have s.a you don't understand so stop giving out false hope to s.a sufferers .. its like trying to turn a gay male straight

we learn to cope and understand and life with it

WishingICould said:

Yes, there is therapy etc but it's not a cure and most people with SA will always have it, even if they get therapy and improve it will always be there.

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Yeah... I find this really frustrating. I will probably never be completely rid of my anxiety, and this saddens me. A lot. Although I have met people who claim they were shy at some point in their lives but became these incredibly outgoing and assertive people. Maybe they didn't really have social phobia. I don't know.

Opaline said:

Yeah... I find this really frustrating. I will probably never be completely rid of my anxiety, and this saddens me. A lot. Although I have met people who claim they were shy at some point in their lives but became these incredibly outgoing and assertive people. Maybe they didn't really have social phobia. I don't know.

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There's a difference between being shy and having SA, as i'm sure you know. I can't stand it when people say it's just shyness. :kickingmyself:

I do think that SA is hereditary. My Dad has it, he's improved a lot but he's told me that he still struggles in certain situations. Both my sisters struggle with similar issues as well.

Guys -- the reason why no one says there's a cure, is because EVERY human is designed to have anxiety. We were made to have it. If you studied your problems more (which you SHOULD, knowledge is power and the right step to overcoming your problems), the amygdala is the part of the brain that gives us anxiety. It goes off when we feel we are threatened... I'm guessing you guys have never taken a psych course and paid attention?

It's normal to have anxiety, and there's no cure because humans were designed to have it. Without it we'd be dead because we wouldn't know how to react to frightening situations that put our lives in danger. It's only when it's affecting us frequently and negatively or falsely, or for other countless reasons, that we need to get help in fixing that.

Of course it's never simple. But keep a positive attitude and an open-minded mindset and get help, and you will find yourself in a better place. You CAN get better and overcome this.

You will find out that Social Anxiety Disorder is just that -- a disorder that can be fixed. (not 100% because we are designed to have anxiety.)

Find that philosphoical or purpose and strive to it. Surround yourself in positivity and get help often and talk to someone. There are FREE 24/7 hotlines in almost every county/state and country, and MANY mental health offices that are designed to help people with Social Anxiety Disorder. It's PROVEN to be one of the most treatable mental illnesses out there, professionals are taught in how to help guide you to get you better.

You can be as negative as you want, but there is hope, and you can live a happy, normal life. This doesn't have to affect you.

Opaline said:

Yeah... I find this really frustrating. I will probably never be completely rid of my anxiety, and this saddens me. A lot. Although I have met people who claim they were shy at some point in their lives but became these incredibly outgoing and assertive people. Maybe they didn't really have social phobia. I don't know.

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kc1296426 said:

Guys -- the reason why no one says there's a cure, is because EVERY human is designed to have anxiety. We were made to have it. If you studied your problems more (which you SHOULD, knowledge is power and the right step to overcoming your problems), the amygdala is the part of the brain that gives us anxiety. It goes off when we feel we are threatened... I'm guessing you guys have never taken a psych course and paid attention?

It's normal to have anxiety, and there's no cure because humans were designed to have it. Without it we'd be dead because we wouldn't know how to react to frightening situations that put our lives in danger. It's only when it's affecting us frequently and negatively or falsely, or for other countless reasons, that we need to get help in fixing that.

Of course it's never simple. But keep a positive attitude and an open-minded mindset and get help, and you will find yourself in a better place. You CAN get better and overcome this.

You will find out that Social Anxiety Disorder is just that -- a disorder that can be fixed. (not 100% because we are designed to have anxiety.)

Find that philosphoical or purpose and strive to it. Surround yourself in positivity and get help often and talk to someone. There are FREE 24/7 hotlines in almost every county/state and country, and MANY mental health offices that are designed to help people with Social Anxiety Disorder. It's PROVEN to be one of the most treatable mental illnesses out there, professionals are taught in how to help guide you to get you better.

You can be as negative as you want, but there is hope, and you can live a happy, normal life. This doesn't have to affect you.

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"I'm guessing you guys have never taken a psyche course and paid attention?" Please do not patronise people.

When i said people with SA will always have anxiety, i meant in social situations and circumstances where there should be no anxiety. I didn't mean that we should NEVER experience anxiety.

I'd really like to know where you get your info from and why you think SA is one of the "easiest mental illnesses to treat". As far as i know you are not an expert and maybe if you actually listened to people who have SA, who live with it everyday, YOU might learn something.

kc1296426 said:

Guys -- the reason why no one says there's a cure, is because EVERY human is designed to have anxiety. We were made to have it. If you studied your problems more (which you SHOULD, knowledge is power and the right step to overcoming your problems), the amygdala is the part of the brain that gives us anxiety. It goes off when we feel we are threatened... I'm guessing you guys have never taken a psych course and paid attention?

It's normal to have anxiety, and there's no cure because humans were designed to have it. Without it we'd be dead because we wouldn't know how to react to frightening situations that put our lives in danger. It's only when it's affecting us frequently and negatively or falsely, or for other countless reasons, that we need to get help in fixing that.

Of course it's never simple. But keep a positive attitude and an open-minded mindset and get help, and you will find yourself in a better place. You CAN get better and overcome this.

You will find out that Social Anxiety Disorder is just that -- a disorder that can be fixed. (not 100% because we are designed to have anxiety.)

Find that philosphoical or purpose and strive to it. Surround yourself in positivity and get help often and talk to someone. There are FREE 24/7 hotlines in almost every county/state and country, and MANY mental health offices that are designed to help people with Social Anxiety Disorder. It's PROVEN to be one of the most treatable mental illnesses out there, professionals are taught in how to help guide you to get you better.

You can be as negative as you want, but there is hope, and you can live a happy, normal life. This doesn't have to affect you.

Click to expand...

Okay, I'm not even going to bother responding to each point because it's all been said here before and there's no point. But I will tell you this - my own counselor told me I'd probably never be completely rid of it. And I have read that in mental health articles. Yes we can reduce it, minimize it, manage it, cope with it. But I highly - HIGHLY - doubt any of us here will be completely rid of it. This isn't me being negative, it's me being realistic. If there was a chance I could be rid of it forever, don't you think I'd be ecstatic? But I know that improving anxiety is a long, tough road. There is no quick fix and there is no cure. There is simply improvement and coping.

But yes, I did take a psych course and I DID pay attention - passed with flying colors - thanks for assuming though

WishingICould said:

"I'm guessing you guys have never taken a psyche course and paid attention?" Please do not patronise people.

When i said people with SA will always have anxiety, i meant in social situations and circumstances where there should be no anxiety. I didn't mean that we should NEVER experience anxiety.

I'd really like to know where you get your info from and why you think SA is one of the "easiest mental illnesses to treat". As far as i know you are not an expert and maybe if you actually listened to people who have SA, who live with it everyday, YOU might learn something.

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Dude, humans have SA tendencies sometimes. And it's patronize, not patronise.

All I'm trying to do is spread positivity and knowledge. If you don't want to take it or trust it, that's on you... I hit rock bottom with depression last year and alot was fueled by anger by people in society. Try to understand yourself, others, and your problems. Change your perception to positive. I promise you there are real positives in life today. Get help, for you and only you.

I just want to spread positivity. I would say that I wanted to spread hope, but there's "certain" hope out there, because SAD & basically all mental illnesses, are very treatable. Just like getting help for the flu or pancreas -- you go and get help for your mental illness. Don't question it, and just do it... for you.

NAMI | Anxiety Disorders

Opaline said:

Okay, I'm not even going to bother responding to each point because it's all been said here before and there's no point. But I will tell you this - my own counselor told me I'd probably never be completely rid of it. And I have read that in mental health articles. Yes we can reduce it, minimize it, manage it, cope with it. But I highly - HIGHLY - doubt any of us here will be completely rid of it. This isn't me being negative, it's me being realistic. If there was a chance I could be rid of it forever, don't you think I'd be ecstatic? But I know that improving anxiety is a long, tough road. There is no quick fix and there is no cure. There is simply improvement and coping.

But yes, I did take a psych course and I DID pay attention - thanks for assuming though

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I never said there was a quick fix or a cure -- just be optimistic, have a positive attitude. Because not only with that help you in life, but with mental illnesses as well.

I'm just trying to spread positivity here, there is ALWAYS hope for every person with a mental illness, people love to be negative on these online forums and think they're going to be screwed, but honestly, if you look at the big picture, getting help is the best thing you could ever do.

Don't be down & know that you're helping yourself -- don't expect anything negative and try your best to change and be positive -- I know biologically it's probably not possible (I am NOT a psychologist, just a helping hand) but staying positive is good. You don't know how things will develop for you, just like my depression.. but I'm sure being positive and realistic had something to do with it. We can never be fully realistic in my honest opinion, but don't be so hard on yourself. Expect the best for yourself.

God Bless <3

kc1296426 said:

Dude, humans have SA tendencies sometimes. And it's patronize, not patronise.

All I'm trying to do is spread positivity and knowledge. If you don't want to take it or trust it, that's on you... I hit rock bottom with depression last year and alot was fueled by anger by people in society. Try to understand yourself, others, and your problems. Change your perception to positive. I promise you there are real positives in life today. Get help, for you and only you.

I just want to spread positivity. I would say that I wanted to spread hope, but there's "certain" hope out there, because SAD & basically all mental illnesses, are very treatable. Just like getting help for the flu or pancreas -- you go and get help for your mental illness. Don't question it, and just do it... for you.

NAMI | Anxiety Disorders

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Erm... The British spelling is "patronise". She may be British or Canadian.

I think there's been some misunderstanding. You believe SA can be improved upon - so do many of us here. Many people ARE trying to improve it. I certainly am not against you spreading positivity, don't get me wrong. If all you're saying is that SA can be reduced and that one can live a better life in spite of it, then I agree! I don't think you can get rid of it, but reduce its impact? Absolutely.

kc1296426 said:

Dude, humans have SA tendencies sometimes. And it's patronize, not patronise.

All I'm trying to do is spread positivity and knowledge. If you don't want to take it or trust it, that's on you... I hit rock bottom with depression last year and alot was fueled by anger by people in society. Try to understand yourself, others, and your problems. Change your perception to positive. I promise you there are real positives in life today. Get help, for you and only you.

I just want to spread positivity. I would say that I wanted to spread hope, but there's "certain" hope out there, because SAD & basically all mental illnesses, are very treatable. Just like getting help for the flu or pancreas -- you go and get help for your mental illness. Don't question it, and just do it... for you.

NAMI | Anxiety Disorders

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Actually, it's spelt "patronise". Im British, not American. I don't see how my grammar is relevant to this topic.

kc1296426 said:

Dude, humans have SA tendencies sometimes. And it's patronize, not patronise.

All I'm trying to do is spread positivity and knowledge. If you don't want to take it or trust it, that's on you... I hit rock bottom with depression last year and alot was fueled by anger by people in society. Try to understand yourself, others, and your problems. Change your perception to positive. I promise you there are real positives in life today. Get help, for you and only you.

I just want to spread positivity. I would say that I wanted to spread hope, but there's "certain" hope out there, because SAD & basically all mental illnesses, are very treatable. Just like getting help for the flu or pancreas -- you go and get help for your mental illness. Don't question it, and just do it... for you.

NAMI | Anxiety Disorders

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Oh, so you're promoting a website that's asking for donations. I get it now.

mg:

WTF? I'm not promoting anything... wow, negativity = impossible-ness.

I'm just PROMOTING POSITIVITY and KNOWLEDGE! There's nothing wrong with that.

Opaline said:

Erm... The British spelling is "patronise". She may be British or Canadian.

I think there's been some misunderstanding. You believe SA can be improved upon - so do many of us here. Many people ARE trying to improve it. I certainly am not against you spreading positivity, don't get me wrong. If all you're saying is that SA can be reduced and that one can live a better life in spite of it, then I agree! I don't think you can get rid of it, but reduce its impact? Absolutely.

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Reduce it's impact by almost 99% if you want too.

The help is out there but it's up to you if you want to change

kc1296426 said:

WTF? I'm not promoting anything... wow, negativity = impossible-ness.

I'm just PROMOTING POSITIVITY and KNOWLEDGE! There's nothing wrong with that.

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No. You're talking down to people and ignoring what we're saying.

kc1296426 said:

Guys -- the reason why no one says there's a cure, is because EVERY human is designed to have anxiety. We were made to have it. If you studied your problems more (which you SHOULD, knowledge is power and the right step to overcoming your problems), the amygdala is the part of the brain that gives us anxiety. It goes off when we feel we are threatened... I'm guessing you guys have never taken a psych course and paid attention

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I've read a lot about psychology and mental issues.

This particular problem can be treated, can be controlled, but cured? Nope. We aren't talking about the normal fight and flight response here. It's something a tad bit more severe than what you are describing.

And your last sentence is really rude.

kc1296426 said:

Dude, humans have SA tendencies sometimes.

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This is one of the most ignorant statment I've ever read. Do you actually know the difference between an Anxiety Disorder and being just nervous? This is like comparing Depression with being just sad. It's thanks to this mentality that a lot of us are told to "get over it"

kc1296426 said:

All I'm trying to do is spread positivity and knowledge.

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You're doing it wrong.

kc1296426 said:

Guys -- the reason why no one says there's a cure, is because EVERY human is designed to have anxiety. We were made to have it. If you studied your problems more (which you SHOULD, knowledge is power and the right step to overcoming your problems), the amygdala is the part of the brain that gives us anxiety. It goes off when we feel we are threatened... I'm guessing you guys have never taken a psych course and paid attention?

It's normal to have anxiety, and there's no cure because humans were designed to have it. Without it we'd be dead because we wouldn't know how to react to frightening situations that put our lives in danger. It's only when it's affecting us frequently and negatively or falsely, or for other countless reasons, that we need to get help in fixing that.

Of course it's never simple. But keep a positive attitude and an open-minded mindset and get help, and you will find yourself in a better place. You CAN get better and overcome this.

You will find out that Social Anxiety Disorder is just that -- a disorder that can be fixed. (not 100% because we are designed to have anxiety.)

Find that philosphoical or purpose and strive to it. Surround yourself in positivity and get help often and talk to someone. There are FREE 24/7 hotlines in almost every county/state and country, and MANY mental health offices that are designed to help people with Social Anxiety Disorder. It's PROVEN to be one of the most treatable mental illnesses out there, professionals are taught in how to help guide you to get you better.

You can be as negative as you want, but there is hope, and you can live a happy, normal life. This doesn't have to affect you.

Click to expand...

I don't think you understand the severity of social anxiety. I understand you're trying to spread positivity, but like others have said you're doing it wrong.