How would you find me?

Bare with me here guys, I'm new here - I'm not sure if what I'm about to post is what's usually discussed.

And second of all, I'm not a student but a prospective student.

I left school 3 years ago (20 now), but haven't been able to either enter the workplace or go to university (as I'd originally planned) because of this soul-destroying condition of mine.

It's called Social Anxiety (not sure if you've heard of it) but it's basically taken over my life. I still have some enjoyment in my life (like going to football) but basically I'm restricted to non-commital stuff.

So basically in the last 3 years I've had to put off career, relationships etc. and focus on trying to get better.

My question is this, if you found out that this had been my life for the last 3 years, how would you react to me?

Please, answer as honestly as possible and all helpful responses are welcome.

Reply 1

joz12345

1

it wouldnt bother me at all id respect you for telling me the truth, and anyone that judges you because of sumthing you cant help they arent worth knowing.

Reply 2

adamwilkinson

Like joz said no one should judge you on it. You'll probably find people are willing to help you.

Reply 3

ADM86

OP

Thanks JoJo, also good to know that there are some understanding people in Aberdeen as well.

As I said before, I'd appreciate as much responses as possible - it's an issue which really distresses me.

Reply 4

ADM86

OP

adamwilkinson

Like joz said no one should judge you on it. You'll probably find people are willing to help you.

Thanks, Adam. I appreciate your response.

It's difficult for me because it has been 3 years - it would have been easier if it had been a shorter space of time - I could've written it off as something else.

Keep the responses coming.

Reply 5

tomster_11

yeah again, someone who rejects you after telling the truth really isnt worth a second glance. Also, can i just say how brave you are coming on here and telling everyone, and for getting through it as well. People like you are a real inspiration..!!
Good Luck!

Reply 6

sarCAZm

11

Wouldnt bother me :smile:

i have/had very very mild social phobia so am in no position to judge anyone with an actual problem

Reply 7

ADM86

OP

Thanks for the reply Tomster.

I should say that I'm not out the other end just yet - there's still things I have to work on but I would honestly say that things are progressing.

Reply 8

tetrahydrocannabinol.

10

joz12345

it wouldnt bother me at all id respect you for telling me the truth, and anyone that judges you because of sumthing you cant help they arent worth knowing.

Exactly what I was going to say. Just make an effort and be friendly, and when you make friends be a damn good mate to them. I have a drug addict, a depressed kleptomaniac, an OCD sufferer, and an ADHD sufferer (I'm one myself too!) within my closest circle of friends and I love them all to bits, so mental illness is really not an issue when it comes to friendship if you find the right people to be mates with. Just be friendly and open. Good luck :smile:

Reply 9

ADM86

OP

Thanks sarCAZm.

I recently found out that Social Anxiety Disorder is the most common anxiety disorder in the UK - and there are millions of people across the world who suffer from it.

Thing is everyone's different and everyone who has SA will suffer to different extremes - I'm just glad that yours is manageable as I wouldn't wish what I've gone through on anyone.

Reply 10

sarCAZm

11

ADM86

Thanks sarCAZm.

I recently found out that Social Anxiety Disorder is the most common anxiety disorder in the UK - and there are millions of people across the world who suffer from it.

Thing is everyone's different and everyone who has SA will suffer to different extremes - I'm just glad that yours is manageable as I wouldn't wish what I've gone through on anyone.

you're sweet.
Mine was bad enough, I can't imagine how awful youre could ahve made you feel.
I'm glad you're getting better. soon you'll be rockin out with the best of 'em!

Reply 11

herecomestrouble

14

If you're ever in London ill take you out for a few drinks or somthing! Wouldnt bother me one bit :biggrin:

Reply 12

ADM86

OP

Thanks Chloe - you really do sound like a good mate, no scratch that, amazing mate.

Reply 13

ADM86

OP

sarCAZm

you're sweet.
Mine was bad enough, I can't imagine how awful youre could ahve made you feel.
I'm glad you're getting better. soon you'll be rockin out with the best of 'em!

Thanks, you're sweet too :smile:

Reply 14

ADM86

OP

Thanks herecomestrouble and thanks for the offer.

I look forward to hearing more responses - the ones so far have been great.

Keep them coming.

Reply 15

shona

10

ADM86

So basically in the last 3 years I've had to put off career, relationships etc. and focus on trying to get better.

My question is this, if you found out that this had been my life for the last 3 years, how would you react to me?

Please, answer as honestly as possible and all helpful responses are welcome.

My first reaction would be to feel honoured you trusted me enough to tell me. My second, would be to wonder what I could do to help make things easier for you. It's by no means in the same league at all, but everyone has suffered from an attack of shyness at some point in their lives, and I think it should make people sympathetic to your anxiety rather than critical of it.

Wid nae bother me, hen. Congratulations on making it this far - you sound determined to beat this thing, so best of luck.

Reply 16

ADM86

OP

Thanks Shona for the response - sounds like anyone would be lucky to have you as a friend. :smile:

Reply 17

shona

10

ADM86

Thanks Shona for the response - sounds like anyone would be lucky to have you as a friend. :smile:

Hehe, I'm not sure my friends would agree with you on that! :wink:

I jest, we all love each other really. :smile:

I don't think I know one single person who comes without a bit of emotional baggage - really, I can't imagine anyone judging you. We all have our problems and there's nothing wrong with leaning on each other for support when we need it - I've propped up my mates through some fairly bad times, but equally I've not been afraid to sob down the phone for hours when I've been upset. It's what friendship is all about - mutual give and take.

You say you're a prospective student - the good news is, university is the place where you're most likely to meet a bunch of open minded people with tons of things in common. It can be scary putting yourself out there - but there are plenty of friends to be discovered if you're brave. :smile:

I can understand why you're afraid of being judged - but I honestly don't think it'll happen.

Reply 18

Yellowmarshmellow

joz12345

it wouldnt bother me at all id respect you for telling me the truth, and anyone that judges you because of sumthing you cant help they arent worth knowing.

Exactly

Reply 19

LaurenFah

14

I'd feel honoured you'd told me the truth, and respect you for being strong enough to be able to admit to people you had social anxiety. Not only that but you're strong enough to attempt to fight it and progress in life despite it - something many people with an anxiety disorder find hard.

Anyone who reacts negatively to it aren't worth your time, nor effort, and especially not your worry. Good luck with everything :smile:

How would you find me?

Related discussions

Articles for you