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#1
9th August 2023, 12:10
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My thoughts.
Hey everyone.
Struggled to think of a better thread title because I wanted to a description that better captured it, but oh well. This is like how I feel, everything that is currently going on for me etc. I joined this forum a few weeks back because I wanted to connect with other people who have social anxiety. I am a 31 year old guy from the UK and I feel extremely isolated and alone with this condition. I have met other people in my past who struggled with social anxiety, but I have every single criteria in the DSM-V which is useful for a diagnosis. Not only do I tick the boxes for every symptom present, I also have every single one severely. I honestly feel like the most severe case in England right now. I am currently getting psychoanalytic help through the NHS. But I am not finding it useful so far. I will keep it up for a while longer then decide what to do. My past has alot of darkness in it but I'm not finding that revisiting the past is bringing any relief to my SA symptoms. My pornography and sex worker addiction is mostly driven by SA, I have realised. My 10 out 10 feared situation is approaching a woman and trying to pick her up, even though I have no clue how to do that. I think I can read Ancient Chinese backwards better than knowing what to do. I was imagining scenarios few nights ago of me going to a bar and approaching a woman and I literally was awake all night with anxiety. But little tiny things still cause massive anxiety in me, and I constantly feel under judgment, under a spotlight, weird, self-conscious etc I will admit that I am terrified of my situation but equally terrified of doing the things I avoid. Probably more so. Meh, I don't even know what I am asking but I just wanted to write this because I currently feel cursed. 
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#7
10th August 2023, 13:41
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Re: My thoughts.
The fear of approaching women? That really depends on whether it's something you actually want to do. It also depends if you just want to meet women for casual encounters or if you'd like to have a relationship (either is fine by the way).
Not everyone wants to go up to strangers in a club or bar and that's ok. You can meet women through dating apps, or shared interests or just through friends. If you really do want to be able to approach women when you're out it might take some practice. Maybe some male posters here can advise you better on that.
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#8
11th August 2023, 11:51
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Re: My thoughts.
Being part of a group like this would be amazing. I really feel it is what I need. Only problem is this Dr Thomas man is based in Arizona, America.
I wish there was a group in London. Thing is, he says that an experienced group leader must facilitate the group. His online program is called "comprehensive CBT". I've read all his free articles and he sounds legit. He also suffered from it. oops forgot to post the link: https://socialanxietyinstitute.org/b...anxiety-groups
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#9
2nd January 2024, 01:53
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Re: My thoughts.
Quote:
I wonder if the therapy might help more in time. Do you feel that you have a good relationship with the therapist? I'm sorry you're struggling so much. Personally, I consulted a therapist from hell who made me doubt myself more but I didn't trust him...
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#10
11th January 2024, 17:09
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Re: My thoughts.
Great points here. Thank you.
Quote:
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