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Re: A socially anxious newbie puts exposure therapy to the test
Posted: 08 Sep 2020, 07:01
by Drado_27
I enjoyed reading this book and plan on implementing some mentioned methods. I especially find meditation and mindfullness to be helpful. Posting anywhere is very challenging because you don't know what kind of response you will get. However, I think by continual exposure it will get easier.
Re: A socially anxious newbie puts exposure therapy to the test
Posted: 10 Sep 2020, 21:01
by Sou Hi
Drianie wrote: ↑03 Sep 2020, 03:47
I have always been a socially anxious person. My preferred method of dealing with anxiety has always been to avoid anything stressful as far as I possibly could. Since I married my extremely social husband 5 years ago, it has been an uphill battle to accommodate our different personalities and responses to social events. I love the way he challenges me to do things I never even would consider, and he gets me out of my exceedingly large comfort zone. Although I love this exposure, the anxiety never goes away and it has always bothered me that I rely on him too much to help me deal with my social anxiety. I struggled to get to the point where I loved myself and accepted myself for who I am, even though I am different and really difficult to communicate with. This book has helped me to learn more about myself. It has also reminded me that I am not alone and that others deal with the same stress and anxiety that I do. Not only do I have all this information, but actual practical methods that I can incorporate in my life. I look forward to experimenting and trying out the different methods to help me manage my stress and anxiety and even overcome it.
“Take responsibility for your own stress by admitting that your reactions are the problem and that these reactions can only be solved by you and no-one else.”
Congrats on having a great husband, Drianie
. I think the first step of getting rid of anxiety is to have someone there for you. The more you keep your issues to yourself, the more it tires you out and makes you feel depressed. You don't have to take long strides, just small paces will do. Step by step, one person at a time, slowly expanding your circle will work just fine. If you don't feel comfortable talking to real-life people, you may start with social networking sites.
Re: A socially anxious newbie puts exposure therapy to the test
Posted: 12 Sep 2020, 22:06
by JustineSophia2
I think the more we read and know about the types of stressors and also the chemical reactions happening in our bodies that we may not realize, the more we are better prepared to address those stressors in a positive and healthy way. I also deal with social anxiety and it can be quite challenging to even recognize the signs in myself. There is such valuable information on how to handle stressors in this book, it really was worthwhile to read.
Re: A socially anxious newbie puts exposure therapy to the test
Posted: 13 Sep 2020, 02:19
by Anngladys
cluthrie wrote: ↑01 Aug 2020, 19:59
Topic for forum:
A socially anxious newbie puts exposure therapy to the test
Sometimes I have trouble managing my social anxiety, which is even a problem for me on anonymous online forums such as this. I get so nervous! So.... let's be practical! I'm scared but I'm posting in any case!
As a new member, I am nervous of putting myself out there on this site. I am SO GLAD this book was chosen as the book of the month. Topical, helpful for us ALL during this stressful and unprecedented time on earth during this global pandemic. This post serves as exposure therapy to me!
I invite all of my fellows who are anxious to participate in the forums to give it a go and POST! As the book of the month suggests, confrontong our fears can be rather freeing, no?
What do you guys think of the methods in this book? Are there any ways you plan to implement the advice in your own life?
And, do you have any advice for me as an anxious newbie in the forums?
I hope to hear from some of you in the comments! I'll leave you with my favorite quote from the book:
"Yоu are rеѕроnѕiblе fоr уоur lifе аѕ it iѕ nоw аnd, whеn уоu саn ассерt thаt rеѕроnѕibilitу, уоu саn ассерt thе rеѕроnѕibilitу оf соrrесting соurѕе аnd dirесting your life along the path that you dеѕirе."
I absolutely love the quote that you have used!
Just be you, and you'll be alright. As long as you express yourself politely and kindly, there's nothing to be afraid of. Keep practising and the more you speak up, the more you'll learn, and the more answers you'll get to any questions that you might have.
The fact that you wrote already shows that you're handling anxiety in a great way. Keep at it!
Re: A socially anxious newbie puts exposure therapy to the test
Posted: 13 Sep 2020, 14:45
by Claude Hang
cluthrie wrote: ↑01 Aug 2020, 19:59
Topic for forum:
A socially anxious newbie puts exposure therapy to the test
Sometimes I have trouble managing my social anxiety, which is even a problem for me on anonymous online forums such as this. I get so nervous! So.... let's be practical! I'm scared but I'm posting in any case!
As a new member, I am nervous of putting myself out there on this site. I am SO GLAD this book was chosen as the book of the month. Topical, helpful for us ALL during this stressful and unprecedented time on earth during this global pandemic. This post serves as exposure therapy to me!
I invite all of my fellows who are anxious to participate in the forums to give it a go and POST! As the book of the month suggests, confrontong our fears can be rather freeing, no?
What do you guys think of the methods in this book? Are there any ways you plan to implement the advice in your own life?
And, do you have any advice for me as an anxious newbie in the forums?
I hope to hear from some of you in the comments! I'll leave you with my favorite quote from the book:
"Yоu are rеѕроnѕiblе fоr уоur lifе аѕ it iѕ nоw аnd, whеn уоu саn ассерt thаt rеѕроnѕibilitу, уоu саn ассерt thе rеѕроnѕibilitу оf соrrесting соurѕе аnd dirесting your life along the path that you dеѕirе."
Congratulations on this step you've taken, friend!
Try to find the root cause of your social anxiety. Be honest with yourself and try work on that.
Online book club is a place you can find like-minded friendly people. You can develop friendly relationships over time to help with the anxiety.
God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind.
God bless.
Re: A socially anxious newbie puts exposure therapy to the test
Posted: 28 Sep 2020, 11:40
by Eareeves99
Good job on facing your fears. I also find forum posting, or any instance where I'm giving my opinion or stating my feelings on an issue that may receive a reply, to be anxiety inducing. I purposely choose social situations that are low risk but with every success I gain more confidence. As for anxiety management techniques, I frequently use breathing exercises frequently and encourage my anxious teenager to do the same.
Re: A socially anxious newbie puts exposure therapy to the test
Posted: 28 Sep 2020, 14:01
by Shatakshi Gauriar
I think it is one of the best way to actually face your fears. Everybody is afraid of something, it is actually one of the bravest thing to do. Exposure therapy can become very intense but that's how it should be.
Anyone suffering from any kind of fear out there, I hope this can give you the perfect push you need.
Re: A socially anxious newbie puts exposure therapy to the test
Posted: 01 Oct 2020, 08:29
by DominikaS
Congratulations on making the topic! I think that when combating mental health issues its best to have a mixed approach of dealing with it, so not just all medication (if you can) but also not just exercising in order to avoid getting professional help.
Re: A socially anxious newbie puts exposure therapy to the test
Posted: 04 Oct 2020, 19:56
by Eriny Youssef
Love the quote you posted.
As a socially anxious person myself, I've started doing things I'm not quite sure about just for the sake of it. I would tell myself to hell with it, what's the worst thing that can happen. And I did find it freeing.
I think it's awesome you took the first steps.
I'm trying to take them too on this platform. Cheers
Re: A socially anxious newbie puts exposure therapy to the test
Posted: 05 Oct 2020, 20:26
by Spani
Congratulations to being brave and testing out your fears in such a publice way. I hope you are faring on well as this has been going on for a while, but with the positive feedback I am optimistic for you
Re: A socially anxious newbie puts exposure therapy to the test
Posted: 21 Oct 2020, 11:36
by CharlieMax1516
Great job creating this topic! I also struggle with social anxiety and understand how brave it is to initiate this thread. I agree that more experience leads to increased ease...the older I get, the clearer that becomes
Re: A socially anxious newbie puts exposure therapy to the test
Posted: 27 Oct 2020, 18:04
by Ogbara
djr6090 wrote: ↑06 Aug 2020, 08:27
My advice is to live in the day. Projecting failure is a sure road to stress. And your decision to 'put ourself out there' is a step in the right direction. Congrats.
I agree, having a positive mind set can and will go a long way.
Re: A socially anxious newbie puts exposure therapy to the test
Posted: 01 Nov 2020, 06:38
by Nedbrian
Exposing yourself mans understanding you need to fix something, and that is taking responsibility. Often times, we need a faceless place to heal and this forum has provided you an avenue for that. Nevertheless, I would advice you rely solely on yourself, go with the flow as you become a different person than you were before.
Re: A socially anxious newbie puts exposure therapy to the test
Posted: 02 Nov 2020, 06:29
by Segelolo
I must say that you did a wonderful thing by trying it out on this website. The first way of dealing anxiety and fear is facing it.
The most difficult part of facing it is taking the first bold step. I know that your ability to tackle your fear head on would have increased since you read this book. I am also tackling mime and improving on it by the day. I hope we will both lead an anxiety free life.
Re: A socially anxious newbie puts exposure therapy to the test
Posted: 02 Nov 2020, 14:23
by leiabutler
This is a great idea! Love this post. Social anxiety is real for a lot of us and I agree that exposure therapy is the way to go in putting yourself out there and facing the fear head on!
