Ugh, I hate social anxiety

TheBub

I have always had social anxiety.  My favorite kind of night is to have kids in bed and be parked on the couch with a full DVR.  I have no desire to go out...ever.

Tonight I have to go to a work function, and I am already about to throw up from the stress of it.  All of the people going are people that I interact with on a daily basis, but I CANNOT shake the dread.  Currently, my biggest thing is that my outfit doesn't fit right.  I am thinking about going to the mall to get a new shirt, but if I don't find one, then I will have wasted my opportunity to run home to change.  Please tell me that other people stress about this stuff.

Ler621

I do. Constantly. I had to leave a tasting last night for my upcoming wedding because I could not bear the thought of having to interact with strangers. I was in the beginning stages of a panic attack. I try to avoid work functions as much as I can. I have no suggestions, just know you aren't alone.

TheBub

The strange thing is that I'm almost better with strangers than I am with people I know.

ProudMommyER073113

 I as well have social anxiety. I dread get togethers or work gatherings, or anything for that matter unless it involves immediate family. I was always that way. I would much rather get wasted at home than at a crowded bar, even when I was younger. A night at home with DD and DH, TV, pizza and wine is a good evening for me

TheBub

AshPal61 said:

I always find myself stressing about going out.  Mostly, I worry that I won't have anything interesting to say to people and I'll just sit there alone while everyone else has fun.

Once I get out, though, I end up having a good time.

Try not to worry so much, are you usually okay once you're out?  or does the anxiety continue?

 

It depends.  Most of my anxiety revolves around body image and clothing.  I have always been big, but now I am to the point where I only have a couple of outfits that I am comfortable in.  It's embarrassing. 

Talking points are not that bad for me.

TheBub

I'm at the mall and can't find anything...of course. I hate this so much I want to cry.

nancy30005

I've been trying to quote you @TheBub, but it's not letting me. 

I'm so sorry, honey. I know exactly what you mean and the feeling you're having right now. Do you take Xanax? It's helped me so much with stuff like this. 

((((hugs))))

TheBub

nancy30005 said:

I've been trying to quote you @TheBub, but it's not letting me. 

I'm so sorry, honey. I know exactly what you mean and the feeling you're having right now. Do you take Xanax? It's helped me so much with stuff like this. 

((((hugs))))

It's not an everyday thing though. Can you take Xanax occasionally?

nancy30005

Yes ma'am. My instructions are "as needed". 

How are you feeling? 

Ursulala

I wish I could help you find something at the mall that would make you feel better--I know what this is like, too.  Not feeling comfy in your clothes is such a sucky feeling, and you are certainly not alone in this.

You and I have the same kind of perfect evenings.  I hate big social events.  It does get better with age, though.  I usually just ask questions to get people talking about themselves (this is really easy with most people) and then sit back and listen.  This helps me to feel like the attention is not on me, and helps me to relax a bit.  

Just think how happy you'll be when this is over with!

TheBub

I bought a shirt, but I need to stop at home to change into jeans.  I'm telling everyone that I need to stop to get my ipass for the tolls, which is true.

To make matters worse.  Tonight is Scandal and might have to wait until tomorrow to watch it.  Worst day ever.