[Laurel83]

I want to know if i have social anxiety...im pretty sure i do. I experience symptoms in new social situations such as shaking, shaky voice, extremely fast heart beat, and extreme nervousness. I am on my way to becoming a hairdresser and all these things have made this journey very very hard. Every time a client comes into my work i get so nervous that it can be hard to breathe, i just cant seem to relax. When i work on someone at work i get really shaking and for me its really embarrassing. im comfortable with people i know really well...i feel like all these things are somewhat holding me back from my creative dreams and i know i can be a great hairdresser minus the social anxiety. I even ruined a great relationship with someone i loved because of the depression, insecurities and social anxiety.

I dont know how to deal with it. I at times resort to alcohol (which I know isnt good) to distract myself. It seems like if i have to drink to open up and be myself outside of work even around some of my friends, but especially around new people. At work ill chain smoke to try to relax myself. This is becoming a huge problem i dont know what to do!!!!!

[im4it]

Hi Laurel 83. Having just recently had a consultation with Benjamin, i will put forward some things i identified about me during that session, which are similar to yours. I found that i have huge fears which relate back to childhood. This fear manifests itself in many ways and can cause real issues if in meetings, meeting new people etc etc making you reserved and anxious. I also found out that im using alcohol to open up so that i can be the person i want to be, who is confident and outgoing etc. This is because i don't know who i am and the feelings i get freak me out. I am also conflicting who i am with who i want to be, which also gives a feeling of anxiety and frustration. I know i feel trapped by these feelings and Benjamin suggested to talk about myself in group therapy which scares the pants off me..but i'm going to try it! This may help me and indeed you, being more outgoing and able to talk confidently and openly in social situations. Even having a one to one with a qualified professional who understands psychological issues may help. i found just sitting down with someone really did help and helped me to learn stuff about myself. He also said if i have any fears (mine is heights) is to try and tackle it head on a bit at a time. Then the fear won't feel as bad and you'll understand the feelings you are having better. I am also considering doing meditation to clear and unclutter my mind and just focus on nothing. Meditation has many benefits and there is a great website called meditation for beginners and yoga for beginners. These have some basic information and i am sure they will help. Just search those two on google. you can also get dvd's about meditation and there may be classes near where you live. What ever happens, i suggest taking action sooner rather than later. I left it and left it and let it fester for ages..which only adds to feelings of anxiety. I hope this helps.. i know that i have started this journey to improve myself and all you need is to take those first steps. I am sure you have a great support network (i.e friends & family)as you don't have to do it on your own.

Laurel83, on May 23 2007, 12:28 AM, said:

I want to know if i have social anxiety...im pretty sure i do. I experience symptoms in new social situations such as shaking, shaky voice, extremely fast heart beat, and extreme nervousness. I am on my way to becoming a hairdresser and all these things have made this journey very very hard. Every time a client comes into my work i get so nervous that it can be hard to breathe, i just cant seem to relax. When i work on someone at work i get really shaking and for me its really embarrassing. im comfortable with people i know really well...i feel like all these things are somewhat holding me back from my creative dreams and i know i can be a great hairdresser minus the social anxiety. I even ruined a great relationship with someone i loved because of the depression, insecurities and social anxiety.

I dont know how to deal with it. I at times resort to alcohol (which I know isnt good) to distract myself. It seems like if i have to drink to open up and be myself outside of work even around some of my friends, but especially around new people. At work ill chain smoke to try to relax myself. This is becoming a huge problem i dont know what to do!!!!!

[jo1974]

Hi Laurel83

I am sorry to hear that you seem to be having such a difficult time because of your anxiety. It must be very frustrating for you and particularly if you feel that it is stopping you from moving forward with your life. There will probably be a root cause for these attacks and it might be beneficial for you if you are able to try and identify what this is - if you feel that you are ready to do so.

There may be lots of things that you could try in an effort to reduce these symptoms and it may be worth trying to do some research into that. However treating symptoms is usually not successful for long and it will probably be more effective if you are able to go through some sort of therapy to try and combat any outstanding personal issues. Also have you considered going to your GP to see if they are able to make any suggestions?

It sounds like you love your work as a hairdresser and what a shame it would be if anxiety got in the way of a successful career or personal life.

Good luck and I hope that you are able to sort things out.

J

[jinkajone]

Social anxiety medication is the only thing that can help you throughout a sticky situation. In fact, there are different types that are available in the market; and with the help of a qualified doctor, you will be able to find the right social anxiety medication just for you.

[jackspar]

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