How do you cope with social anxiety?

TSgt Melissa Post — Sat, 01 Oct 2016 20:45:27 -0400

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 1 at 2016 8:47 PM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Oct 2016 20:47:58 -0400

Are you talking fear of crowds? Or social shyness?

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 1 at 2016 9:06 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Oct 2016 21:06:55 -0400

I have that and I really do not know. Best wishes. It caN BE hell. TSgt Melissa Post

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Oct 1 at 2016 10:24 PM

Sgt Wayne Wood — Sat, 01 Oct 2016 22:24:08 -0400

Not very well. Don't go to events where i don't know EVERYONE. Don't go to large events. Even if i go, i sit quietly in a corner reading my kindle (which i don't leave home without)... VA & i have issues cause they won't email & i don't answer phones. Answer your question?

Response by PFC Jim Wheeler made Oct 1 at 2016 10:30 PM

PFC Jim Wheeler — Sat, 01 Oct 2016 22:30:27 -0400

What type of issues do you have?

When people crowd around me I get agitated, so I don't go to crowded places.

Not sure if that's reasonable for you, but that's how I deal with it. I just stay home with my wife and dogs.

Either that, or, I'd be fighting.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Oct 2 at 2016 10:16 AM

CPT Jack Durish — Sun, 02 Oct 2016 10:16:38 -0400

There's an old joke... A man goes to the doctor and complains, "Doc, when I do this (hold hand above head), it hurts."
Doctor replies, "Don't do that."
It's a very old joke.
To be serious, phobias such as social anxiety are among the few things that can be treated successfully. It takes exposure, repeatedly, in carefully controlled, measured doses. Good luck

Response by SFC Pete Kain made Oct 2 at 2016 10:28 AM

SFC Pete Kain — Sun, 02 Oct 2016 10:28:51 -0400

I stay home. I have problems even going for V.A. medical appointments.
Life got easier when I found Amazon Prime.
Try and get help before you end up like me.

Response by SPC Neil Hood made Oct 2 at 2016 12:08 PM

SPC Neil Hood — Sun, 02 Oct 2016 12:08:29 -0400

It's worse now that im out of the service. I try deep breathing exercises and I am going to look into meditation as well.

Response by SSG Jacey R. made Oct 2 at 2016 12:43 PM

SSG Jacey R. — Sun, 02 Oct 2016 12:43:22 -0400

I have my service dog, Iris, she helps with most of an anxiety and other PTSD issues. I have meds for situations that I may be in that Iris is not enough or not able to be with me.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Oct 2 at 2016 1:17 PM

SN Greg Wright — Sun, 02 Oct 2016 13:17:38 -0400

By being a loner, heh. Mostly.

Response by PVT Mark Brown made Oct 5 at 2016 9:06 PM

PVT Mark Brown — Wed, 05 Oct 2016 21:06:18 -0400

When I first returned to the World and ETS'd I seemed to have a lot of anxiety at the time. That was 46 years ago this coming December. My original ways of dealing with street were less than healthy and I would not recommend the same for anyone. Alcohol flowed freely and drugs were everywhere, both of which provided temporary relief - very temporary. Over the course of years it became quite apparent to me that my chemical cures were not really working, in fact making things worse. Along the way my wife and I found AA and NA and started a life without chemicals, then things began to change. They say far every addiction we heal from another comes along to take its place. That was quite true in my case. You name it, I became addicted, food, sex working, gym and many more things. Somewhere around 1995 Jesus came into my life and things have been getting better and better all along. No over night cures, just a little at a time. After a suicide attempt I finally went to mental health at the va and the anxiety continues to recede and life gets better. Pets, hobbies, coffee buddies and more keep me on track. But talking is key, talking when I need to.