Social anxiety disorder

Social anxiety experience: Melissa

Published on 2011-10-25 08:33:00

Why I admire this fellow social anxiety sufferer: She's done this video about her battle with the SA disorder. She has shown her face basically to all of the world, talking about something that is still a "taboo". I'm thinking: Writing this blog is sometimes too much of an exposure to me. What if someone recognized me? Fear of appearing weak is a part of social anxiety disorder symptoms. My psychiatrist may not think I am weak because I'm afraid of people, and afraid of talking about that fear

Anxiety attacks and lifestyle influences

Published on 2011-10-21 09:21:00

When I first started writing my Social phobia anxiety blog I was so determined to turn my life around. I was going to do whatever it takes because I clearly remember how desperate I was for this to stop. People who don't suffer from social anxiety disorder just cannot imagine what it's like to live with this constant fear. I'm closer than ever to the thought that SAD is a chronic disease. For some reason I was predisposed to it, and then something in my life happened and I got "sick" with SAD.

Controlling Your Emotions Before They Control You

Published on 2011-10-20 02:18:00

Stumbled upon this video not ready to face this morning. Can't make myself go out of the house. I have found a bar of Xanax I left sometimes last year "for rainy days" (and completely forgot about it) but I refuse to take it unless absolutely necessary. I don't know how I found myself in this mess (again) although I can recognize some patterns. First thing is, I am not skilled at managing my emotions - so when things around me get too demanding and ugly, I lose that little bit of control I h

The monster is back!

Published on 2011-10-17 17:42:00

No, no, no, NO again! Not again. That's all I can think of now. It's been a year since I stopped taking Lexapro and - for a while - didn't even thought of popping a Xanax. Didn't need them; didn't want them. I was "cured" of panic and anxiety attacks, not turned into the extrovert. I'm fine with that. All I wanted is to live a normal life, really. But the old beast was not killed, just chased away. Spent time lurking in the darkest corners of my mind when I was particularly stressed or ti

I can laugh at this now

Published on 2011-03-29 00:01:00

I just had to post this screenshot (it's an article with usual advice on social anxiety, go out more and socialize bla-bla - but check the comment!), it had me laugh out loud & it's how I feel sometimes too:

Stopping Lexapro or how Cipralex just got the dear john letter

Published on 2010-11-29 04:29:00

Dear Lexapro, I'm leaving you tomorrow. It was lovely knowing you, but I have to find my own way now. It was long in the making anyway. Time to stop prolonging it and to say good bye! You were there when I needed help and I'll never forget that. I feel like a stronger and wiser person now because of our (more or less) successful, almost three year long relationship. Wish me luck now!

Overcomming shyness

Published on 2010-10-19 10:01:00

Dr. Paul Vehorn, a psychologist and talk show host, gives some "self-improvement tips" on "overcoming shyness" in a video below. He thinks that "shyness is a natural emotion which can be difficult to overcome since it is based on insecurity". If shyness is a natural emotion, then why it has to be overcame in the first place? And I've never bought into that insecurity/low self-esteem connection with social phobia. Is this just another case of confusing shyness and social anxiety? Or, do yo

What is Paxil?

Published on 2010-09-29 13:05:00

Did you got SSRI drug Paxil (brand name for paroxetine) for your social anxiety? Do you know about Paxil's interactions, how it works, and what exacly Paxil is? In short: Other commonly prescribed drugs for social anxiety are Lexapro (or Cipralex), Xanax.

Social anxiety: You are not alone!

Published on 2010-09-21 04:14:00

I just wanted to share this: 55 people from 13 countries - all having social anxiety - are in this video. Just imagine how many people are silently suffering every day - maybe even closer to you than you'd think, not having the nerve to admit they have it. Because it's embarrassing!:( Remember: You are not alone!

Celebrities with social anxiety

Published on 2010-09-16 20:27:00

Kim Basinger, Barbra Streisand and Ricky Williams shared their experiences with social anxiety and issues like excessive shyness, agoraphobia, perfectionism and stage fright: Image via Wikipedia Kim Basinger: My hands were shaking. I was sweating so profusely, I could not move. I made it to my car and remember getting the keys in the ignition, cranking the car up, taking the back roads to my home and parking. I didn't leave the house for six months. When I came to Hollywood, I could wear a bi