hi everyone

[glint]

hi all, have suffered from social phobia for a long time now but have only recently been able to put a name on exactly what it is that has plagued me for all these years and that is a relief in itself.

I am determined to beat this but of course as I've been learning that will only probably make it worse so I am determined to try and assist my emotional state and self beliefs in returning to a more healthy and happy state.

Not sure if having a forum where people focus on the negative issues that are bothering them is a very good idea to be honest as in a way I think that maybe it encourages people to stay in this frame of mind and allows the fear and negativity to have a healthy breeding ground as it were but have to say that it is very reassuring to read other peoples accounts and realise that there are other people out there going through the same and worse.

Being from a small country and not in a city, I find that I have very little resources available to help me to alter my negative mindset which was ingrained into me from having a bad childhood and being bullied in school, there are no cbt therapists so have scheduled an appointment with a hypno-therapist instead and hope that helps me a little.

I work freelance - mostly because when I worked for an employer I couldnt face the meetings and dreaded being on the phone where I was sure other people were judging me on my country accent and faltering voice, so I went out on my own. Luckily my ex employer gave me all of the work and I now just have to pay one visit every month for metings and stuff.

Which is why I am on here because my next day is tomorrow and of course as usual I'm dreading it and feel that people will be saying stuff like that oddball is coming in tomorrow, I always feel like people dont want me there and that makes me very defensive and unfriendly - even though I know I shouldnt be and it is largely unfounded.

Anyway sorry for the rant just wanted to introduce myself and give some info on why Im here and stuff. Hope all of ye people are doing good..

[violet]

Hey i respect your opinion, and i can see where your coming from, what you mean when you say whether this forum a good idea, but i disagree i think its a very good idea it helps people off load there problems see them for what they are, in your mind problems have a way of snowballing, so the best effective way is to write them down. Also knowing that other people are going through the same helps you as you believe you are not alone, i have tried to almost forget i have it, this just leads to fake times of high pleasure and then your sadder than before, i find it easier to face it. Then you can deal with it. I do however believe reading to much into anxiety can make things worse as the more attention you give it the more energy you are wasting on it not bein solved. This site is for solvin it too, there are people who will reply, who will try to help, who understand, more than a book you fill your head with negative information.

To those of you who think this site helps carry on, i am. To those who dont,like yourself, thats fair enothe eberyone has different ways of dealing with things, i respect that, and i wish you all well.x