Social Anxiety Disorder?

[21pilots]

Hi so I've had social anxiety my whole life with meeting new people and around people I don't know very well. But since last year I've felt completely different my anxiety is worse and I can't seem to feel comfortable around anyone anymore. No matter how long I am in the social situation I still feel uncomfortable. It makes it worse when I can see that the people I'm hanging with do not feel comfortable. I even feel uncomfortable around my best friend and family. I just feel anxious all the time, it feels like I'm not even comfortable with myself anymore. Throughout high school I was growing with confidence and by senior year I felt the best I had ever felt. Then I went off to college and was having the time of my life, when this feeling of anxiousness hit me and ruined my last semester of my first year. I'm just not sure if this is social anxiety disorder or not because usually people with that disorder feel comfortable around a few people including family and friends. But I don't it's really weird. Maybe it's just a self-esteem issue I'm not really sure anymore. My therapist thinks that it is social anxiety disorder but it just doesn't make sense that I feel uncomfortable around everyone. Please let me know if anyone has felt this way and/or know a way that I can overcome this feeling

[casstar01]

Hi there, well first of all YES that is defanitly social anxiety disorder!! I have had it all my life (33 years). And I feel uncomfortable around everyone! So I'm assuming for whatever reason your anxiety has become stronger. And I really feel for you. It's terrible and lonely and weird and uncomfortable and feels helpless!!! As for what to do about it, I'm not completely sure. I feel strongly pro anxiety meds ( clonopin etc..). I know they have helped me beyond belief and have made such an amazing difference in my life! And I'm on a very low dose. Some people feel differently about these types of meds and some don't take them due to a drug abuse history. But they changed my life. I couldn't even leave my apartment, speak on the phone, or do anything for myself and now I can! It's still very hard at times but I am able and that is no small thing for me. Also CBT therapy has been extreamly helpful in conjunction with the medication. I wish I had much more help but these two things are giving me a life for the first time! Have you tried any meds? Or disscussed them with your doctor?? Always here, casstar :)

[sarah37]

Hello, yes I believe it is social anxiety. I have it as well. What works for me is Roche Valium. I tried everything and this is the only med. that works and I take it in low dosage as well similar to how casstar01 uses clonopin. The valium has made my life livable again! It takes that nervous edge off. I would suggest trying some different meds.