SA slightly

[shyme]

I quite often go the Social Anxiety Website as feel I suffer a little with this especially since starting my new job. I feel I have a bit of a phobia with Canteens and is a source of comfort to see other people asking for advice about the same things.

Anyway I hope this site is a comfort to East Sussex Folk.

Shyme xx

[rubbersole]

 i get the same feelings when in canteens and or on buses etc. i dont know weather its shyness or social anxiety? its nice to know im not the only one who feels this way! Im not actually from brighton and stumbled across this site, its good.

[ems]

I was walking into uni with my friend , just chatting- when she said 'Ems ur squeezing my arm hard ' and it was at that moment I realised I'd been clutching and paniking- even tho i'd been talking to her (albeit absentmindedly ) . it helped me relax by making me aware of what was happening. if i hold a stress ball on my way out the door- by the time i get to where i'm going- often i'll be squeezing it really tight without even noticing ! then when i let it go- the anxst eases of a notch aswell.you might want to try it if you get social panick attacks- I will carry on experimenting... xx

[rubbersole]

 sounds silly but chewing gum sometimes helps

[ismmoh]

Hi im at Brighton uni where i get that feeling, when going into the canteens, at least your getting through it even if it's witrh ur mate, even better. I wish i could find someone i could use as a stress ball lol. anyway shyme hows ur new job goin, wot does it involve. I just moved into Brighton after suffering dis SA ting for a while and its quite scary being in a big city, so i welcome the opportunity to make new friends.

regards
Ismmoh

[Prolecto]

Hello all.

I agree, shyme, it's a big help to read that other people have similar problems. I hope your new job has been going well =)

[rachel]

It's amazing to see that people feel that same as me. I totally get what you mean about buses - I feel so awkward and self conscious. Also I know it sounds wierd but as I walk home from work and I'm walking towards the traffic I get the same feeling.

Shyme, starting my new job was a nightmare - and still is after 5 months, but it's getting better. I haven't developed relationships with people the way most of my co-workers have and even find it difficult to look some people in the eye.

I'm pleased thatI have found this website and hope to support, and get support from other sufferers.

[Herby]

 
I have never heard of this before! This is great! I thought I was just being a wally!
I get the traffic thing - especially crossing roads and walking facing traffic, I dont go on buses so I walk everywhere. I also get "tongue tied" literally - and will say words in the wrong order or not remember what i've just said. (Which is awful!!) I also get great big red blotches on my chest, neck and face if I am particularly anxious. mmm. attractive!! LOL!

It is getting alot worse now as I'll go out of my way to avoid social situations - so I really have to do something about it!
I have given up a job before where they wanted me to go to meetings in another office or department and after a few humiliating instances I had to just stop! I'm soooo pleased this group is here!!

Herby.

[Junk]

Hey guys,

Im now 8 months into my first job since taking 6 months off with anxiety issues. It was NOT easy, but, it DOES get better. Still get the odd pang, and sometimes i just wish the day would end, but then i thnk how does this make me any different from anyone else!!!

As for canteens, they are very busy places, and plently of people can feel self concious about being surrounded by so many people. If chewing gum helps, then stick with it. In fact, and please don't feel you have to take my advice, but if you feel like it really try and concentrate on the gum when you feel panicy, like its the very first time you have ever tried it. This is sort of like meditation, which i practice frequently and really helped me to get back on my feet again.

anyway, hope this helps!

Junk