110 replies to this topic

[Mini_Magic]

Many thanks.

Sometimes throwing yourself in at the deep end brings you on in leaps and bounds.

I think that has really helped me, going to as many Mini shows, parties and nights out as possible.

[bcjames]

James, I had never seen this thread until you bumped it. It's really great you are coping better and are able to get on I'd have never thought it when we met at MITP!

As some friends on here know, i'm a trained and working psychologist and often see traits of this disorder in varying forms and magnitudes, across a whole spectrum of individuals. In reference to your earlier point regarding seeing a professional, this is something that really can go either way. Some individuals, like yourself, can help themselves with great success, and it's brilliant when they do. Coping skills born intrinsically can be very strong and work very well. The 'in at the deep end' approach really can kick things around! For some people, some help is needed, and I wouldn't dissuade anyone from seeking professional help if they feel they need it or that it may help. There are several free services and sources of advice out there, and most of it does not rely on pharmacological intervention.

-James

[Spud_133]

It's great to see that you are better with crowds. And I feel that I am just shy when talking to new people, this is also due to the fact that I don't have a lot to say and don't want to embarise myself. I don't find it difficult to speak to people in shops, just a lot of people irritate me and I get frustrated when I'm around people who aren't aware of their surroundings.

[Mini-Mad-Craig]

You have Taryna bro... she's helped you a LOT and thinks the world of you, I can tell that. I'm feeling the love, she's a lovely girl.

You know where I am if you ever do need a chat about anything... it's always a pleasure to chat to you, and finally meet you after 3 years at SMD and again at MITP this year.

Edited by Mini-Mad-Craig, 09 September 2011 - 01:48 PM.

[Bearface]

Great thread! I'm quite quiet and introverted and have a life long stammer which I finally plucked up the courage to get speech therapy for! I'm also a chronic worrier!

[jackgreen91]

I self-diagnosed social anxiety upon myself, this was a couple of years ago. I found that throwing myself into situations where you had to talk is really important. I went on a ski season on my own so was reeally on my own, with new flatmates after living with my parents my entire life, not to mention being in a different country to everyone that I knew. I was shy but made loads of friends and eventually got confident..admittedly a few bevvys at the mountain boozer certainly helped and everyone knew me after a couple of nights . THEN...I went to uni and was at the start again, new people and new places, forced to do presentations about things every week infront of many people, about subjects that I didn't even know about...THAT was difficult. But doing it week over week you get better. And I can happily talk infront of anyone really now. I wouldn't say it was my favourite pastime though!

However, saying all this, I do tend to diagnose myself with problems rather a lot as I show symptoms of everything....so I've just stopped worrying. haha