Im 38 and still suffering from it. I don’t know how to get over it. Any ideas?
Well u could try antidepressant
You could change your way of thinking . Cognitive behaviour therapy helps
Thinking more positive
Feel the fear and do it any way
Believe in yourself
Take baby steps
Do something for charity to help others
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I had to go to therapy and learn how to interact… get my confidence back. I took classes basically.
I’m still not great with it… Other then my job… I don’t go places alone very often. I have a sibling, or my GF or friend with me. I’m still learning.
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My wife has that diagnosis, she takes ,5 mg of xanex up to three times a day. She can’t even talk on the phone without one. Talk to your doctor and give it a try.
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HI @tomcat…does Xanax make the person more chatty
It will ease your anxiety but I don’t think it will make you more social.
I would describe my social ineptness as asociality in that I purposely withdraw from social situations but they don’t necessarily cause me anxiety.
Baby steps. Maybe start by smiling at strangers and nodding hello. Opening doors for others. Asking cashiers how their day is (or other small talk like the weather outside) and telling them to have a good day/night when you leave.
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In vivo exposure as part of cognitive behavioral therapy in the most efficacious way of overcoming social anxiety (social phobia). All phobias are best treated with in vivo exposure (facing your fears, essentially) and determination.
Stay away from benzodiazapines, they’re a narcotic and you will get addicted in two days.
Im working in psychotherapy research, maybe trust me. 
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Try to speak about your interests and propose ideas and initiatives, basically what happens is that we let others lead us and lead the conversations, we dont like it but we bear with it and get anxious, if we dont give other people the chance to lead or pull the conversations to their interest we will have the privilege of being socially active and avoid any anxiety. feel free to express your cravings and you can say no when there is something you dont like.
I’d recommend immersion in safe environments if possible. Therapy groups, classes and certain types of clubs were helpful to me. These provide a safe environment and structure that make it easier to develop coping mechanisms. Toastmasters and public speaking classes may help. I also took acting and voice lessons.
These things are easier when everyone is learning at the same time and it’s okay to make mistakes.
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I use to have a diagnosis of social anxiety, what got me over it was taking classes or group therapy at the local mental health clinic that i use to go to.
This is a common problem - there are medications and psychological / behavioral approaches - most notably I think is exposure therapy.
Here are some past discussions:
Learn more about causes and treatments here:
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