Anxiety faded

[Kapra]

Not sure if something like this has been posted before, sorry if so, but here you go...

Over the years my anxiety seems to have lessened, I'm not quite sure why but I am grateful that I can be in public places and situations without feeling like I want to disappear constantly.
I think it's related to a gradual change in my mindset, caring less and less about things or what people think over time, extreme apathy I guess.
Now that I feel like I've actually gotten somewhere in getting rid of this (still get random bouts of it, though) the thing is, I just don't know how to be and act in social situations, even if I'm hardly feeling anxious at all...
I got so used to being the quiet one, years of being like this and learning barely any social skills, while everyone else was learning them and making friends etc, has left me pretty much an empty shell when it comes to socializing :/
I have no idea what to do now, or how to make the most of not feeling as horrible as I used to in social situations.

Would councillors or whoever help with things like this, even if I'm almost rid of my anxiety?
Has or is anyone in a similar situation to this? Any advice, words of wisdom? Etc.

[pigstar]

...and if anyone has any good tips, I want to hear them too.
Not that I'm not still a trainwreck, but I think I'm ready to build up some kind of a life now...but how?:hmmm:
High-five for getting better and caring less. It depends what you're looking for, and chances are you don't need it, but I remember seeing some surprisingly great social skills for dummies-style tips on an autistic spectrum website, somewhere. Will try and dig it up if you're interested. Having somewhere safe to practise, though...I have no idea. Hmm.
Finding a counsellor or someone to talk to probably wouldn't hurt, if you can, they're not going to fix everything but having non-judgemental support is good.

edit: here's the website - NT is code for "normal". Don't worry about the aspie stuff - the advice there is good for everyone, and I've found that a lot of people have blind spots. Personally, I'm thinking about getting #4 tattooed on me somewhere.

(I had a fit of self-diagnosis last winter. It didn't really go anywhere, but I did learn a bit.)

[Mr. Nobody]

Originally Posted by Kapra

Over the years my anxiety seems to have lessened,

the thing is, I just don't know how to be and act in social situations,

I have no idea what to do now,
.

that's great Kapra ! ( the highlighted bit )

I suppose any advice on this could perhaps be likened to telling you how to live your life though ?

I too have often found myself in this situation,..It's almost like I've somehow forgotten who I am, and I feel just like a blank canvas.

I suppose it's all about trying to find and connect with like-minded people,...it may sound a bit naff but have you thought of perhaps doing something like joining a photography club or something, ....now you feel able to start socialising and living a bit more out of your previous comfort zones you could take your interests and what you are good at and perhaps try and develop these things forward into a more social aspect of them, maybe try and join a club or two,...if you like music, maybe try and start going to a few concerts,..
some people in here have joined meet-up.com where there are groups of people who meet regularly and have a common interest,..or you could perhaps try catching up with some old school friends or college friends......
I suppose us people on here may not be the best to ask advice from on socialising

you could go to, or try organisning an SA UK meet ?

[Jop]

Originally Posted by Kapra

Not sure if something like this has been posted before, sorry if so, but here you go...

Over the years my anxiety seems to have lessened, I'm not quite sure why but I am grateful that I can be in public places and situations without feeling like I want to disappear constantly.
I think it's related to a gradual change in my mindset, caring less and less about things or what people think over time, extreme apathy I guess.
Now that I feel like I've actually gotten somewhere in getting rid of this (still get random bouts of it, though) the thing is, I just don't know how to be and act in social situations, even if I'm hardly feeling anxious at all...
I got so used to being the quiet one, years of being like this and learning barely any social skills, while everyone else was learning them and making friends etc, has left me pretty much an empty shell when it comes to socializing :/
I have no idea what to do now, or how to make the most of not feeling as horrible as I used to in social situations.

Would councillors or whoever help with things like this, even if I'm almost rid of my anxiety?
Has or is anyone in a similar situation to this? Any advice, words of wisdom? Etc.

I have something similar. Sometimes when I'm around other people its just that I don't feel the compulsion to talk or do anything. Which you probably think you should be doing. However one still should question whether it is indeed appropriate to be just quiet and enjoy the surroundings.

If you think you should be socialising. I think the most apporpriate method is to think of conversation as a kind of game to be played. Finding common interersts exploring what the other person has to say, and giving your own views. Just be positive and try to engage.