Social Phobia Disorder and College

SocialPhobia Disorder and going to college can be a scary and daunting task.  You can imagine someone with social phobia disorder having a hard time:

• Giving presentations

• Working in groups

• Raising their hand

• Being called on at random

• Walking into class late

• Tests, projects, quizzes (added anxiety)

Although I graduate this Fall (2013), it has been one the hardest obstacles I have had to cross so far in my life.  However, my social phobia disorder has improved dramatically in the past 4 years.  The “Exposure” in college has really made me stronger and has forced me to break out of my shell.  

Social Phobia Disorder is a condition that cannot be left alone.  Putting yourself in uncomfortable social situations is better than sitting alone in your room, even if it does sound counter-intuitive.  The more social scenarios you participate in, the more comfortable you will become in future social situations.  This is one prime way to overcoming shyness and social phobia.  

This semester I have had to give 8 oral presentations in front of 20+ people each time.  Talk about unbearable!  I would sweat, shake, blush uncontrollably, and sway back and forth.  It is almost impossible to give presentations with social phobia disorder.  Eventually they started to get easier and easier but it was never a walk in the park.  I realized that the important thing was that I was completing these presentations despite my severe social phobia disorder.  

To sum it all up college has given me confidence, sharpened my mind, and given me many opportunities.  Although, it was extremely uncomfortable and gut wrenching at times, it has ultimately made me better and my growth is undeniable.  Social phobia disorder is something that will make your college journey a living Hell, but it is those whose persevere who are stronger in the end.   

 

Overcoming shyness and social phobia

         Overcoming shyness and social phobia has been a goal that I have finally achieved.  Hopefully many of you can relate to this.  Although I am not 100% over my social phobia disorder, I can say that I have cured it at least 75%.  I am senior in college and this is the hardest place for overcoming shyness and social phobia.  From the stuffy classrooms, to snobby kids, to professors calling on you at random, social phobia disorder in college is no joke.  On top of it all my major is marketing which involves giving a ton of presentations in front of 25+ people.  Some classes I have to complete 6 presentations, just to pass.  My social anxiety goes wild when I am in school and sometimes I just want to drop out.  

            However, I have to say that attending college is a major reason why I am overcoming shyness and social phobia.  It has taken me out of my comfort zone and forced me to interact with people I normally would not interact with.  Although this has been one of the most difficult times in my life, I think it is one of the main reasons why I am overcoming shyness and social phobia disorder. 

            To make a long story short I advise anyone reading this blog to step out of your comfort zone as much as you can.  This is the only way you will truly grow.  I know it might sound counter-intuitive but I promise you it is a vital step to overcoming shyness and social phobia disorder.  Doing what you’re doing is not going to get you anywhere, it is time to grow.  Overcoming shyness and social phobia is possible but you have to work at it to succeed.  If I can do it, anyone can. Let me know of any progress, setbacks, or struggles you go through. Let us tackle this disorder together. 

More tips and trick to come.  

Best of luck!

Social Phobia Disorder and Marijuana

I used to be a chronic pot smoker for 10 years, abusing the substance nearly every day...I have finally decided to quit substance and to put it down for good...Seeing if it would have any affect on my social phobia disorder…

So far I have not smoked pot for 25 days and feel like it has 100% helped my social phobia disorder...I am thinking clearly and have regained all sorts of confidence...

Here are a small list of the benefits I have experienced from quitting marijuana so far:

less social anxiety, less depressed, more energy, better sleep, more confidence, more feelings throughout the day, sharper mind, deeper conversations, better people skills, better relationships, very grateful, more productive, better at work, better at school, not as anxious, I feel alive again(not numb all the time), can deal with things rationally, much more positive, clear lungs, exercising more, eating healthier, saving money, more relaxed, working on myself everyday....

There are many more benefits but this is just a few I have seen in the past 25 days of being clean...I will keep everyone posted on my progress...Social phobia disorder is something that I am driven to over come with the help of other techniques. 

I would love to hear other peoples thoughts, comments, feelings on this issue...Maybe you have tried this yourself? Maybe this is something you want to do?

Best of luck and more to come!