Hi, new to the site

[DrawingSpell]

Hi I'm Kat. I'm 21 and I've been able to live with my social anxiety since last fall, just sucking it up and forcing myself to do exposures. I got through some uncomfortable and embarrassing situations and now I'm closer to feeling normal. But I get really anxious when something new comes up and I worry the heck out of it. Now I'm worried about a group interview I have for this nursing school. I've been looking forward to it and was actually feeling excited, but now that its getting close (its on Friday) I'm starting to worry. I've never had a real interview before and I'm scared because I don't like being put into new situations. I don't like not knowing what's gonna happen. I just keep thinking that I won't be able to think. I'll be taking Xanax..I used it for presentations in school, but I basically read off of papers during those, I didn't have to think up an answer to a question and organize a logical response. Or that I'll talk too quietly so that it sounds like I'm talking to myself. Or that I'll cry if when I start talking about why I want to be a nurse (my dad inspired me and I get emotional thinking about it). I have trouble expressing my emotions so when I cry, I really cry and its hard for me to stop. Also I don't like speaking in groups. Speaking in front of people isn't so bad, but sitting around 15 other people is scary for me. I had a small group speech class and I just remember the dread I felt days before my next speech and the sick feeling I get right before its my turn to speak. It freaks me out and I've been having trouble sleeping due to these thoughts. I just wanted to get some help and feedback on here.

[unsure0445]

Hello! I too have social anxiety. I've dealt with it for about 6 years now. I also have something coming up next Monday that I've been terrified about. I'm new to the whole trying to "get better " stage. I'm honestly afraid to take medication. But I've heard it has helped others with their anxiety. I wish you luck on your interview! I was terrified at first about going in for an actual interview, but think about it.. Who isn't? The people who are sitting there asking you questions and listening have been in the same situation as you. I'm not exactly much of an expertise or much help at all, but I bought a book last night to start out with at least.. It's called painfully shy. I'm not too far, but it has given me a different outlook on things. The doctors say, "you are what you think" so if you go in with an attitude that you're going to be too quiet or cry or get scared, you more than likely will and you'll stress daily. If you go in with a happy, up-beat, I'm gonna rock this interview kind of attitude you'll do fine! Before my interview I had friends ask me as many random questions as they could, I stood in front of the mirror asking myself questions (weird I know) and I Prayed. I don't know if you're religious at all, but that alone helped me. If not, try the other methods. I'm sure since you've dealt w anxiety you've leaned the breathing methods, I did those all day everyday leading up to it. We tend to over think things way too much, I feel your pain and dreadful feelings for that day. Like I said, I'm not very good at advice or opinions, but I read your post and could relate in some ways. I can't get I front of people AT ALL or read while people are around, it's nuts! Good luck, wish the best for you! ✌

[DrawingSpell]

Hello! I too have social anxiety. I've dealt with it for about 6 years now. I also have something coming up next Monday that I've been terrified about. I'm new to the whole trying to "get better " stage. I'm honestly afraid to take medication. But I've heard it has helped others with their anxiety. I wish you luck on your interview! I was terrified at first about going in for an actual interview, but think about it.. Who isn't? The people who are sitting there asking you questions and listening have been in the same situation as you. I'm not exactly much of an expertise or much help at all, but I bought a book last night to start out with at least.. It's called painfully shy. I'm not too far, but it has given me a different outlook on things. The doctors say, "you are what you think" so if you go in with an attitude that you're going to be too quiet or cry or get scared, you more than likely will and you'll stress daily. If you go in with a happy, up-beat, I'm gonna rock this interview kind of attitude you'll do fine! Before my interview I had friends ask me as many random questions as they could, I stood in front of the mirror asking myself questions (weird I know) and I Prayed. I don't know if you're religious at all, but that alone helped me. If not, try the other methods. I'm sure since you've dealt w anxiety you've leaned the breathing methods, I did those all day everyday leading up to it. We tend to over think things way too much, I feel your pain and dreadful feelings for that day. Like I said, I'm not very good at advice or opinions, but I read your post and could relate in some ways. I can't get I front of people AT ALL or read while people are around, it's nuts! Good luck, wish the best for you! ✌


Hi, thanks for the reply!

It's nice to hear from someone who understands. Has it gotten better by any chance? I know what you mean about the get better stage, there are days where I just do NOT feel like putting myself in another scary situation. Medication can really help, it helped me stop avoiding things and now I can do small presentations without it. It does help to know that the interviewers have all been through the same thing. I have to keep reminding myself of that and staying positive. I will try answering questions from my brother and praying. Sometimes I feel like prayer is the only thing I have. It really does help. I've been doing guided meditation and going outside for exercise every night and that combination has worked pretty well too. Thank you so much, its nice to know that I'm not alone, and I really appreciate your advice :)

[Rowlz]

welcome :) I'm new here too!

[DrawingSpell]

thanks, saw your youtube video. very inspiring :)