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@marionwilhelm So sorry you're having such a hard time. I had terrible social anxiety starting around 15 y/o. I'm pretty sure I know the reasons, family PTSD, TBI, all happening just about the same time. I applaud your efforts to get out there and be in groups. One thing I had to realize is, I'm an introvert. Once I got that across my brain, I didn't feel bad that socializing wasn't/isn't something I really want to do. At least not in the way most people seem to like. Was there a cause of your early-onset anxiety? Have you seen a counselor? Do you want to pursue counseling? Thanks for posting. Feel free to write back. Best, Suzanne
Replies to "@marionwilhelm So sorry you're having such a hard time. I had terrible social anxiety starting around..."
When we come to the realization that we are an introvert, in an extravert world, things seem to really make sense, don't they? All the anxiety to be sociable [when we would rather meet on a one-to-one basis!], all the nervousness of being in new situations, everything comes to a head. I was forced in to classes and doings when i was young, when I didn't want to be. It cause no end of retreating even further back in to myself. Many years of counseling, journaling, reading and coming to an understanding of how I tick, has helped me honor myself, and the forced participation be d*****! It is much easier now for me to say "no" and stick to my guns, knowing that if i am not comfortable, I will be miserable.
Ginger
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Thanks. I just recently realized I, too, was an introvert. Although I wonder if that was really part of my personality or became part of it because of my anxiety. My anxiety started when I was 8 or 9 & I'm almost 68 now. I have seen counselors & my PCP is very good. I also do some journaling. My anxiety was most like likely family/environmental. We moved frequently & so there was no continuity of teachers that might have noticed a pattern. A distant father & a cold, mean mother & here I am.