Social Phobias are killing me

[ZzKingz]

Whenever i talk to someone, I feel retarded and I feel like the other person is thinking that of me. I feel so slow when I stutter or trail off when I speak. Does anyone else have a similar problem.

I think my problem is feeding itself too. My self conciousness is affecting my behavior, and i think it shows.

A few examples:
In PE people are extra nice to me and always cheer me and say "good job" when I finish. That sounds good on paper, but it really makes me feel different.

My science teacher would talk to me like a baby. (but I think she just does that to everyone.)


It's so hard to describe this terrible feeling. I feel like everyone thinks I have a mental disorder like autism. I'm becoming terrified of social interaction.

please help!

[Cebb]

I think i kinda know what you mean, i used to be very shy and found it difficult when i spoke to people, id imagine they thought everything i was saying was silly and didnt make sense., id stumble over words and not get them out, i think people knew i was very shy and some would try and make me feel better by being nice but then that made me feel like i was standing out even more and was a pathetic person and itd make me feel 10 times worse.
Im not as bad now, i try and remember that im as good as anyone else im talking to, its not easy but avoiding interacting with people didnt help me at all so i thought, lets face it, and see what happens.

[Jenna.]

I have social anxiety too. I'm perfectly fine around people I know but as soon as I have to go up to someone new and try to talk to them, I freeze up and find it difficult to talk in a relaxed, non-forced way. I usually end up saying "um" a good amount because I blank out and forget what to say. It's embarrassing. :[ I also dislike being in large groups for an extended period of time. I haven't found a way to get over it yet, except to just try and push yourself to talk to new people more. Ignoring and avoiding people only makes it worse in the long run. :/ Good luck!

[Zeh Crazy]

I feel extremely anxious when I am in public or around people. I feel like everyone is watching me. I get so paranoid. There is no way to avoid this, really. I would suggest, though, to engage in conversation. Just practice at it. The more you talk, the easier it will be. Your stutter and anxiety will go away. Most likely, people don't think much of it anyway.

[Chris95]

I have bad social anxiety as well. It's indescribable to someone who doesn't know how it feels.

I'm not going to write my life story here, but I will say this: If you ever want to be better, you need to get help for this. Most people can't "ride this out". Don't force yourself into a social situation because you think it will give you practice. That's actually the worst thing you can do, and it can drive your anxiety worse.

Talk to a parent or somebody, and go to a treatment center. I'm going, and I have my first appointment in a few short days.

Good luck, and really, PM me if you have questions/need to talk. :)

[ZzKingz]

Update: I'm doing a shit-ton better now :D

[TheSleepingInsomniac]

I do this maybe because i'm deaf and i don't want it it to translate into retardation or it could be my social anxiety.

[Sogeking]

Update: I'm doing a shit-ton better now :DGlad you're doing better now :) If you don't mind me asking you this, what helped you overcome your social anxiety?

[Skrate]

Glad you're doing better now :) If you don't mind me asking you this, what helped you overcome your social anxiety?

Oh, yes - please tell :)

[ZzKingz]

Glad you're doing better now If you don't mind me asking you this, what helped you overcome your social anxiety?

hmmm... I kind of ignored that feeling that everyone thinks I'm retarded. How could anyone think that about me anyway?
I also realized that I was thinking too much before I would say or do things. Now I act a bit more "impulsively" (but not excessively). I mean that brilliant comment I'm thinking of saying in class won't offend anyone and the teacher won't hang me for it. So go for it.
It's almost entirely confidence. Stand up straight and the rest will follow :)