Anybody like me?

esp · Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2005 12:29 pm Post subject: Anybody like me?

This is really hard for me, I even have a fear of posting. But here goes, I'm 29 and I'm wondering if anyone has social phobia as bad as me, because I still live at home, I've never had a real job (i've only studied by correspondence), I never go out alone, I can't use the phone, I have no friends, I've never had a boyfriend. The list goes on. But recently I had a nervous breakdown and now I'm getting help, I'm on antidepressants, getting cognitive-behavioural therapy with a psychologist. My problem started at school with friends rejecting me, and being teased for being shy (they called me the silent one). I'm scared to post this but I'm gonna try anyway.

Dedication · Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2005 1:10 pm Post subject:

Hi, ESP...welcome to the forum Very Happy

. It sounds like you might have agoraphobia as well as social phobia (admittedly I'm no expert but I think the two sometimes go hand-in-hand). But you're moving in the right direction with CBT and meds and hopefully these are helping (I just started CBT myself).

Just remember that you're not alone. Most people on this forum have SP and variations thereof and can offer excellent knowledge and advice and support Very Happy

.

Crimefish · Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2005 2:30 pm Post subject:

I have had social phobia, agoraphobia and generalised anxiety disorder for as long as I can remember. I'm 17 and I started CBT (without meds; I'm too young) a few sessions ago.
I never leave the house without my "safe person" (mum) so I've only had one-ish offline boyfriend.

unleashed · Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2005 7:36 pm Post subject:

i hope youre feeling better soon.

esp · Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2005 11:32 pm Post subject:

Thanks for replying! I thought noone would reply to my post, but that's social phobia for you! Its nice to know there are other people out there with the same problem.

GettingThere · Posted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 10:42 am Post subject:

Hello and welcome esp.
I hope that the medication does the trick for you. It has certainly helped me at different times in my life.

_________________
Two men look through the same bars, one sees mud the other sees stars.

JWH · Posted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 11:28 am Post subject:

In a way I am, and I fear I may not leave home till I'm too old. I'm 22, and I'm only just starting to get my act together. What really helps is giving yourself gradual exposure to situations and doing activities which may push you but leave you feeling positive.

_________________
Jane.

MadCat · Posted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 2:37 pm Post subject:

Hello ESP. I can relate to some of the things you have mentioned. You're definately not alone.

I haven't even left the house for years. I haven't had a friend for over 11 years.

All I got is my family. How is the cognitive behavior therapy working for you? That will probably be the treatment that I will get.

esp · Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 1:36 am Post subject:

hi there, the cognitive-behavioural therapy is progressing. I've been going for two months. It really helped pull me out of the worst time of my life. I thought I was bad off until I had a nervous breakdown. I've finally realised that I blamed myself and my experiences for this condition for so long, when I didn't have to, because it was the anxiety disorder that causes you to think and react so negatively. You've really got to give yourself a chance and realise, hey, I don't deserve to be shut away like this. Going on exposure therapy is pretty stressful but I'm not going back to the way I was that caused a nervous breakdown. Just my thoughts on the matter.

MadCat · Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 1:45 am Post subject:

Sounds like you're slowly progressing to your goals too as well?

It really makes me feel there is hope for myself reading your response. My psychiatric nurse wanted to get me going on exposure therapy TOMORROW. LOL. I've only been aware there was something seriously wrong with me for about a month now.

I can't wait to get started on CBT soon..hopefully!

ONe day I hope I can reach to the point you are at. It's very promising for me to think that way.

Thanks alot for lifting my mood.

_________________
"Unreality can be as real as reality itself"