#1
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Interpersonal Problems
Hello All,
I was wondering if anyone has experienced or can offer advice on the following issues, or where they could be coming from: Background For most of my life, I have had difficulty connecting with others on the basis of feeling substandard. I was previously diagnosed with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder, but believe my difficulties stem from something more or something else entirely. Issues - Being hypersensitive to social cues, e.g., facial expression, body language, etc., and prone to automatically interpret them as judgemental/negative - Generally avoiding social gatherings due to feeling unable to meet their expectations and standards - Feeling disgusted by aspects of your physical appearance, and envious of others who meet the so-called norms of society in this regard - Feeling more concerned about the needs of others rather than your own - Experiencing anxiety to the point where you zone out - Generally avoiding eating in public - Feeling insecure in most relationships - Feeling empathy, affection and love but not being able to express it freely - Feeling seriously uncomfortable when physically touched, except in certain situations or when instigated by a close family member - Always feeling like an outsider - Feeling paranoid when out in public, e.g., being watched and laughed at by others. |
#2
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Re: Interpersonal Problems
There is an overlap between autistic symptoms and social anxiety symptoms. And you could have both.
I am not autistic but do have a lot of those problems you mention. The one about not liking to be touched sounds more like an autistic type symptom, but I might be wrong. You could always ask for a second medical opinion. |
#3
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Re: Interpersonal Problems
Thank you for the responses. Biscuits, I too seem to use avoidance as a coping strategy, and I agree, doing so just seems to mask rather than treat the underlying issue. I am also determined to overcome whatever it is that is going on. But it's knowing where to start that's the problem.
Aelwyn, I believe a second medical opinion would definitely be worth exploring in my circumstances. Every self-assessment I have undertaken relating to Autistic Spectrum Disorders has indicated that I do not meet the criteria for diagnosis. Obviously, I can only take these results at face value, and would benefit from seeking advice and formal assessment from a consultant. But it leaves me wondering if anyone else with an initial diagnosis of ASD has later been re-diagnosed with social anxiety or a similar condition. |
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Re: Interpersonal Problem
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In my late teens/early 20's I dreaded eating in front of people especially as my hands would shake terribly. At it's very worse I couldn't even eat at the same table as my parents Somehow I managed to overcome this, and many years on I can eat in Restaurants quite easily. Perhaps I just became more greedy and food is more important than what anyone around me might be thinking Quote:
Having an ex who used to see his ex behind my back and would lie through his teeth didn't help. Even now, I'm frequently seeking reassurance from my husband and asking him why he would want to be married to someone like me. Fortunately he is very kind and understanding. Nevertheless, I always half expect to be rejected by everyone in the end Quote:
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I've taken online tests for Autism and Aspergers but my scores always tell me that this is extremely unlikely and I have no reason to feel that this isn't right. However, if I were you I would definitely seek out a second diagnosis if you have doubts about your Doctors previous diagnosis, bscott. From what I can gather (I may be wrong) it seems quite unusual for people to only be suffering with SA and frequently there will be various other mental health issues and even personality disorders that overlap making it all very complicated and unfortunately impossible to fit into one neat box |
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#6
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Re: Interpersonal Problems
Thanks again for the responses and advice.
Apologies, I'm not sure how to direct quote. It's great but unfortunate that others can relate to my experiences. It's interesting because I was never like this as a child, perhaps a little introverted or shy, but these difficulties seem to be of a different nature. I can't tell if it's anxiety, something about my personality, or a combination of both. I'll make a point of revisiting and discussing this with my doctor.` Just wondering, did anyone find anything particularly helpful re: dealing with and overcoming these difficulties, e.g., medication, therapy, etc.? |
#7
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Re: Interpersonal Problems
Biscuits, I've only just noticed that!
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#11
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Re: Interpersonal Problems
I have a lot of the same problems. I'm currently going through counselling and trying to get a better understanding of what my biggest problems are. At the moment I'm at a crossroads.
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#12
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Re: Interpersonal Problems
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I did once try psychotherapy but it didn't help me (that doesn't mean it wouldn't help you, we're all different). Also went along for one session of hypnotherapy, I just couldn't relax enough and didn't like sitting with my eyes shut in front of the therapist. You could talk to your GP about options like counselling or CBT, and of course there are other medications, but I don't have any personal knowledge of those. I hope you get some good help. |
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