So what should I do?
I guess the reason why social interactions is stressful to me is due to my schizophrenia symptoms such as low motivation or lack of interst.
But if it’s that stressful, I only need to avoid it althgether.
But then, lack of it is also as much as stressful.
So I go back and forth between the two situations, always wondering what should I do which is the third stressor.
If I can see the benefits of each, I guess I can cope. But it’s difficult to ignore the stress I feel in each situation.
Being too stressed, I can’t get a good night’s sleep lately.
Please help!
Sometimes it is good just to be around people.
Going to the movies, library, walking around the mall…
That way, you get the energy, and if you feel like interacting-you can. If not, you can keep to yourself in these kind of places.
You are just putting yourself in a position to interact only if you feel like it.
I think the saying “Fear is temporary, regret is forever” applies here.
If you are afraid you will not do well in your relationships with others that’s just a result of continual denial to life, but if you face and embrace and do as little as possible to interact at the ease of your capability you will notice a difference, it requires real effort as every situation is new and independent than another and requires the same amount of will to endure it, but it yields introversion only made better.
If however you decide to keep away you will face a series of attitude worsening thoughts that will only make you feel bad for yourself.
I cant agree more with bridgecomet because you have options where you can still enjoy some quality time outside around others and maintain your personal life and privacy at level.
Sounds like you are half introvet and half extrovert. I suggest socializing to a moderate degree. Visit a friend or invite a friend over for coffee once a week. Go out to eat on the weekend with a friend. Small steps.
I myself am extroverted and need to see my friends and family and if I am dating someone, I need to see them at least once a week and talk to them once a day, doesn’t have to be too much, just some texting when I’m home and done with school for the day is enough. On the weekend nights I usually go out to eat or watch a movie with my lady friend and or my other friends.
It takes some trial and error. You can do it. I had to rebuild and relearn my social skills when I began my recovery.
I find everyone is busy or they don’t return my calls. They don’t want me because of my SZ or my old age (I’m 73). You have to be aggressive although this is sometimes harmful. It turns people away which is just what you don’t want. I have to reach out. Nobody is going to call me or appear at my door. Groups are different from individual relationships. I find I can count on family. I’m left with professional relationships and business with he world. Ironically, this psychosis, or what’s left of it originated in the realization I knew no one where I lived.