I'm being serious. I used to be afraid to talk about this but it's apparent that others suffer from this also and have posted discussions. I'm talking about SAD. It's ruined my life and seems to have gotten worse in the past year or two. Prime example, 20min ago I was supposed to go with the gf to her best friends house for a bbq. The closer we got, the more I didn't want to go and started making excuses why I didn't want to be there. When we pulled up, there were 2 other cars of people I don't know but were there for the cookout. I just got a quick temper even after her friend came out and I just left as we were unloading the cake my gf made. I told her I'd be at the apt and to call me when she was done. Of course she wasn't happy but she doesn't seem to understand my problems. She thinks its all in my head, maybe it is. I've tried to blend in with everyday society but I can't. I feel like a total outcast and only interact with people close to me. This sh!t really brings me down and makes me question my existence. What is my purpose being here? You would think with everything I have, I would be happy but I'm not. I just buy things all the time because I have a feeling I won't be here that long.

I never really sit down and analyze these situations like this but it's really hitting me hard. It's because these things come normal to me and I never really think much it. I'm thinking that if I don't get help now, it's only going to worsen.

 

Go to a therapist.

Honda-Acura e-Therapy isn't going to help.

I'm not trying to come off harsh or rude, I'm being serious; You already admitted to yourself that you want to get help (and that's a great first step), so take the second step and go find a therapist who specializes in this kind of thing and get your head screwed on straight.

Whatever you do, don't go and medicate yourself.

 

So what exactly is SAD. I mean I see myself in the same position sometimes. I am pretty anti-social. I really dont make an effort to meet people, I really dont care to. If I happen to meet someone, great...it is just never an active effort. I am a complete opposite from my gf. I dont think I have it "as bad" as you though. But lets just ignore the fact that this type of behavior has a label...why does it bring you down? Why do you question your existence?

 

does this SAD stand for social anxiety disorder?? its a guess :dunno: but im similar to you I hate meeting new people, if someone dont come meet me I wont meet them, and I hate socializing with people that I havent seen for awhile. For example if I havent seen one of my real good friends like in a year I feel akward coming up to them and socializing.


*edit*I forgot to add my solution ( to me at least) alcohol or beer seem to overshadow this litttle problem of mine. Its not the best solution by any means but it helps. h:

 

I know I need to see a therapist but I don't know where to begin. I feel awkward seeing someone about this problem because it requires the interaction with new people. I'm very antisocial but I can sit behind my computer all day and talk on forums like this. Yea I went to a car show yesterday but it was with people I know and I felt more comfortable around them but you wouldn't find me talking to other people. I just wonder why me? I have an older brother that is the complete opposite, he's very social and outgoing.

 

Well, in my day we called this being shy, or at the very worst having a lack of confidence.

Some people are shy, some aren't. The only way to change it is to go out and do it; Or I suppose see a therapist and have them change you.

 

Social Anxiety Disorder

Everyone gets nervous from time to time when meeting new people or having to speak in front of a group. But for people with social anxiety disorder (SAD, or social phobia), a fear of everyday social situations makes it very difficult for them to function on a daily basis.

SAD is the third most common psychiatric disorder in the United States, affecting over 10 million people in any given year. The disorder occurs in women twice as often as in men and usually begins in childhood or early adolescence.

What Are the Symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder?

People with SAD have an extreme, constant fear of one or more social or public situations. This fear severely disrupts day-to-day functioning. Other symptoms of SAD may include:

* Avoiding social situations
* Intense self-consciousness in social settings
* Physical symptoms such as blushing, sweating, trembling, fast heart beat, and nausea
* Unreasonable fear of embarrassment

People with SAD often have more self-consciousness and anxiety than usual before and during social events. In stressful situations, people with SAD often have increased physical symptoms, which in turn can raise their level of anxiety and self-consciousness even more.

SAD affects various people in different ways. Sometimes, a person with SAD may only be afraid of specific types of situations, such as speaking in public or eating and drinking in front of others. Or a person with SAD may experience symptoms any time he or she is around other people. In fact, a person may have such severe symptoms that he or she may avoid going to work or school or have difficulty making or keeping friends.

Regardless of whether or not you're currently being treated for SAD, if you find that you are experiencing symptoms, your condition may not be resolved. If this is true, talk to your doctor about your treatment options. The right treatment could help you reduce or virtually eliminate your symptoms.

What Are the Causes of Social Anxiety Disorder?

The causes of SAD are unknown, but it may be due to a chemical imbalance in the brain. Serotonin and norepinephrine are two chemicals used by some nerve cells to communicate. These chemicals, along with other neurotransmitters, are thought to affect symptoms of SAD. Therefore, medicines that affect these neurotransmitters may play a role in treating SAD.

People with SAD often experience other types of emotional health problems as well. Studies have shown that people with SAD

* often suffer from depression.
* may abuse alcohol or drugs to reduce fear in social settings.
* may have other anxiety disorders as well.

 

Growing up, I used to think I was just shy too but it developed into more than just that. Being shy doesn't make you do extreme things to get out a situation. At stop lights I never pull next to a car. I try to sit in a blind spot because I hate when people look at me. I feel really awkward when someone is looking at me and I tend to always look around in the corner of my eye to see if someone is. My hands get very sweaty and I feel very light headed when in front of others if I feel as though the attention is about to be drawn to me. For example, I could be in a meeting discussing things and when the boss addresses me to ask how my site is doing and I start to feel sick because I'm the center of attention. Things that most people encounter in a routine day, I can never do. I always try to find a way out of them.

 

same here man i have it REALLY bad....just the thought of going to the mall or going on a trip or somethin makes me have an erry feeling and i start to sweat....it really does affect everyday life b/c u cant go out and do things that u want to do.....yeah it pisses me off ive been dealing with it since like 7th grade... im in the same boat you are

 

Well if it makes any of you feel better:

My hands sweat 24/7 regardless of the situation.