Social Phobia Disorder at Work

I have an interesting post today that maybe some of you can relate to regarding social phobia disorder and work.   Although I have overcome my social anxiety I still have moments where it I feel frozen or paralyzed.  So you may be thinking what do I do for work? Well I am a waiter at one of the busiest restaurants in town.  I actually picked this job on purpose because I felt like it would help me break out of this social phobia disorder rut.  When I started the job 5 years ago my social phobia disorder was “full blown”.  I was beginning to think that this was the wrong way of overcoming social anxiety.  But I stuck it out and made some significant improvements.

What this job did for me was “expose” me to more interactive situations than I thought was humanly possible.  At first I was completely overwhelmed, but I gradually got more used to the stress of the job and the interactions I faced.  Don’t get me wrong I have my setbacks every shift but overall I have made significant progress.  Not to mention the money is great!

To make a long story short “exposure” can help alleviate social phobia disorder dramatically by forcing you to deal with interactions with people.  Practice makes perfect.  The more one socializes the better they will be in these situations and the more comfortable they will feel.  Now I am not saying to go out and find a job at the busiest restaurant in town, but I am saying that a little daily exposure goes a long way.

More to come!

Signs of Social Anxiety

If you are confused if you have social phobia disorder here are some signs of social anxiety.  This may help you diagnose your problem. I remember feeling uncomfortable and anxious when in certain situations.  I had no idea what my problem was and thought that I was just shy.  Years later I realized it was more than being just shy but it was in fact social phobia disorder.  Signs of social anxiety are not obvious until you are able to recognize them.  

The first sign would be that you are uncomfortable in ANY social situations.  This means that you are uncomfortable even around close friends and family.  For example, say that your mom is asking you questions about school, and you can’t even give her a response without being anxious or uncomfortable.  That is when you know to some scale that you have a problem.

Other basic signs of social anxiety include shyness, shaking, blushing, sweating and stuttering.  Also avoiding things like work, school, going out, hobbies and activities are common signs.  People need to realize that social phobia disorder is completely reversible and can get slowly better.  This disorder is more common than people realize and it is OKAY if you are struggling with it.  

Follow my blog and I will ensure that you beat this disorder just like I did.  I will give you the exact steps that I took and provide you with the best strategies for overcoming social anxiety.  Once you see the signs of social anxiety you are ready to the take required baby steps needed to improve your life.     

More to come!

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.   

 

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!