David Baxter PhD
Late Founder
Overcoming Your Social Unease
by John McManamy, Health Central
Friday, December 03, 2010
Last night, at our local NAMI annual pot luck dinner, I acted as quiz master for a quiz night we put together. Not long ago, the prospect of getting up in front of people and entertaining them would have terrified me - very natural for an introvert with social anxiety who gets depressed a lot. Obviously, I have come a long way, though I will be keeping my day job.
Our ability to be at ease around people is essential to our recovery. Conversely, our social unease is a huge source of stress that sets us up for all manner of bad episodes. Often, we avoid people, which only leads to isolation and brings on depression.
Over the years I have learned that the times when I want to stay in the house are the times I need to get out of the house. It's a much less terrifying world out there, as a result. But it was a very hard journey for me. Question:
We all have fears when it comes to dealing with people, whether in large groups or one-on-one, whether in public or private. How do you deal with your fears? What strategies work for you?
by John McManamy, Health Central
Friday, December 03, 2010
Last night, at our local NAMI annual pot luck dinner, I acted as quiz master for a quiz night we put together. Not long ago, the prospect of getting up in front of people and entertaining them would have terrified me - very natural for an introvert with social anxiety who gets depressed a lot. Obviously, I have come a long way, though I will be keeping my day job.
Our ability to be at ease around people is essential to our recovery. Conversely, our social unease is a huge source of stress that sets us up for all manner of bad episodes. Often, we avoid people, which only leads to isolation and brings on depression.
Over the years I have learned that the times when I want to stay in the house are the times I need to get out of the house. It's a much less terrifying world out there, as a result. But it was a very hard journey for me. Question:
We all have fears when it comes to dealing with people, whether in large groups or one-on-one, whether in public or private. How do you deal with your fears? What strategies work for you?
